[Note-"This is the continuation of Story of Bhishma (Devarath), if you have not read the first part please Read it first"]
After his return from heaven, Devarath became a mighty warrior because he was blessed with the divine weapons and heavenly knowledge of using each weapon, Indra(God of thunder and Rain), Varun(God Of Water), Agni(God of Fire), Vayu(God of Air), Yam(God of War and Death) gave him the training and also blessed him with eternal knowledge and his purpose of life, Devarath received spiritual knowledge by Guru Brahaspati(Jupitar), who was Guru(Divine Teacher of Gods) of heaven, from him he received the knowledge of life-death and soul-reincarnation and Dharma (righteousness). Devarath became so powerful that no kingdom dared to fight with him, those who fought were defeated by Mighty Devarath.
Years passed, and Shantanu continued to rule his kingdom with honour. However, he was struck by grief when his beloved Ganga left him and returned to her celestial realm. Shantanu's heart longed for companionship once again, and fate intervened in the form of Satyavati.
Satyavati was a fisherman's daughter with extraordinary beauty and a captivating fragrance. Shantanu encountered her near the river, and her enchanting presence left him smitten. He proposed marriage to her, but Satyavati's father had one condition: that their children inherit the throne instead of Shantanu's first-born son, Bhishma.
Deeply devoted to his firstborn, Shantanu found himself in a dilemma. Bhishma, driven by his loyalty to his father, renounced his right to the throne and took a vow of celibacy to ensure that his father could marry Satyavati. With a heavy heart, Shantanu accepted Satyavati's condition, and they were married.
Satyavati bore two sons to Shantanu, Chitrangada and Vichitravirya. Bhishma and Satyavati Planned marriage for both her sons, to fulfil this task Bhishma was searching for two beautiful princesses, there was a kingdom of Kashi, where there were three Princesses Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika. They were very beautiful and so Bhishma decided to make them as new queens of Hastinapur by marrying two of them to his Younger stepbrothers. The story of Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika is intertwined with the larger narrative of the Mahabharata.
Amba was a princess of Kashi (Varanasi) who fell in love with a prince named Salva. There was a Swayamvar (an event of marriage between Royals where the Princess chooses her groom) of all three princesses where Salva was sure that Amba will choose him over all and they will marry. However, Bhishma intervened in the swayamvar and asked the King of Kashi to give 2 of his daughters to marry the prince of Hastinapur, hearing this all the kings left the swayamvar because of fear of Bhishma's strength even Salva rejected the svayamvar, Amba got furious and rejected the proposal, Bhishma hearing this took Ambika and Ambalika along with him. Salva Rejected the love in fear for Amba and Amba left with no option but to take revenge on Bhishma for spoiling her life.
Amba, deeply hurt and seeking revenge, approached Bhishma and demanded that he marry her. But Bhishma, bound by his vow of celibacy, refused her request. Amba's honour was tarnished, and she vowed to seek vengeance against Bhishma.
Amba then embarked on a quest to find a warrior who could defeat Bhishma and restore her honour. She travelled far and wide, seeking the assistance of various powerful kings and warriors. But fate seemed to be against her, as none could match Bhishma's skills.
Finally, Amba encountered Parashurama, the mighty warrior and avatar of Lord Vishnu. She narrated her tale of injustice and sought his help. Parashurama agreed to train her and bestowed upon her powerful weapons and skills. With newfound strength and determination, Amba challenged Bhishma once again.
In a fierce battle, Amba fought valiantly against Bhishma, but her efforts were in vain. Bhishma's skill and prowess proved insurmountable, and he defeated her once again. However, Bhishma spared her life, as he was bound by his principles not to harm a woman.
Humiliated and devastated, Amba was left with no choice but to turn to the gods for justice. She undertook rigorous penance to invoke Lord Shiva's favour. Pleased by her dedication, Lord Shiva granted her wish and gave her a promise that she will become the reason for Bhishma's Death but in her other life.
However, tragedy struck once again when both sons died prematurely. The kingdom faced a crisis of succession, and Shantanu, burdened by grief and ill health, could not provide a solution.
In his final days, Shantanu handed over the kingdom to Bhishma, who had remained steadfast in his devotion. Bhishma became the regent of Hastinapura, promising to protect and guide the future generations of the royal lineage.
King Shantanu passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, sacrifice, and the foundation for the epic tale of the Mahabharata to unfold. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of duty, family, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of love and honour. To Be Continued.....