Chapter 13: Śantanu’s sons; Citrāṅgada’s death, Vicitravīrya’s accession, Bhīṣma’s seizure of the Kāśī princesses, Ambā’s release, and Vicitravīrya’s death.
Then, when the marriage had been solemnized, King Shantanu installed the beautiful maiden in his own household. (BORI: 1-095-1)
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Then Shantanu’s wise and heroic son, named Chitrangada, was born to Satyavati; in valor he surpassed other men. (BORI: 1-095-2)
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Then the valiant lord fathered another mighty archer by Satyavati: King Vichitravirya. (BORI: 1-095-3)
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Before he had reached manhood, O bull of the Bharatas, the wise King Shantanu succumbed to the law of time. (BORI: 1-095-4)
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After Shantanu had gone to heaven, Bhishma, acting in accordance with Satyavati’s wishes, installed the foe-subduing Chitrangada as king. (BORI: 1-095-5)
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But Chitrangada, in his valor, disparaged all the kings, for he considered no human being his equal. (BORI: 1-095-6)
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You are indeed worthy of your name. Give me battle, prince—or take another name if you will not fight. (KUMB: 1-108-9)
[PV-KDV:01_013_7]
I wish to fight you. I have come before you because of your name; now that I have challenged you, let your name not prove empty for me. (KUMB: 1-108-10)
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Having spoken thus, the two went roaring to the bank of the Hiranvati. (KUMB: 1-108-11)
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Then the mighty Gandharva king who bore the same name came against him as he scorned gods, men, and asuras alike. A very great battle took place between them at Kurukshetra. (BORI: 1-095-7)
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There, on the bank of the Hiranvati River, the battle between the two mighty chiefs—the Gandharva and the Kuru—lasted for three years. (BORI: 1-095-8)
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In that fierce clash, filled with showers of weapons, the Gandharva, superior in magical powers, slew the heroic foremost of the Kurus. (BORI: 1-095-9)
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After slaying Chitrangada, the foremost of the Kurus, who bore splendid arrows and bow, the Gandharva then ascended to heaven. (BORI: 1-095-10)
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When that illustrious tiger among kings had been slain, Bhishma, son of Shantanu, had the funeral rites performed, O king. (BORI: 1-095-11)
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Then the mighty-armed Bhishma immediately installed Vichitravirya, still a boy who had not yet reached manhood, as king of the Kurus. (BORI: 1-095-12)
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Vichitravirya then abided by Bhishma’s counsel and ruled the ancestral kingdom, O great king. (BORI: 1-095-13)
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The king, well versed in the law, duly honored Bhishma, son of Shantanu, and Bhishma in turn protected him. (BORI: 1-095-14)
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Knowing that she was the daughter of the king of Cedi and had been raised by the fisherman king, he had the marriage performed according to the rite prescribed by scripture. (KUMB: 1-108-1)
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After Citrangada was slain, while his brother was still a child, O sinless one, Bhishma governed that kingdom in accordance with Satyavati’s wishes. (BORI: 1-096-1)
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Seeing that his brother Vichitravirya, foremost of the wise, had reached manhood, Bhishma resolved to arrange his marriage. (BORI: 1-096-2)
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Then, O king, Bhishma heard that the king of Kashi’s three daughters, who were like celestial nymphs, were together choosing a bridegroom for themselves. (BORI: 1-096-3)
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Then, with his mother’s consent, that foremost of chariot warriors, clad in armor, set out alone in his chariot for the city of Varanasi. (BORI: 1-096-4)
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There Bhishma, Shantanu’s son, saw the assembled kings who had come from every side, as well as those maidens. (BORI: 1-096-5)
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As the kings’ names were being proclaimed by the thousand, the mighty Bhishma himself chose those maidens, O king. (BORI: 1-096-6)
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Having placed the maidens on his chariot, Bhishma, the best of warriors, addressed the kings in a voice like a thundercloud, O king: (BORI: 1-096-7)
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The wise have prescribed that daughters be given to worthy men after inviting them, adorning the girls according to one’s means, and also bestowing wealth. (BORI: 1-096-8)
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Some give a maiden away in exchange for a pair of cattle; others obtain one for an agreed payment, others by force, and still others after securing her consent. (BORI: 1-096-9)
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Some take an unsuspecting woman, while in another form she finds a husband herself. Know that marriage as the eighth, as remembered by the sages. (BORI: 1-096-10)
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Kshatriyas praise the svayamvara and marry by that rite; but authorities on dharma say that a bride carried off by force is the better choice. (BORI: 1-096-11)
[PV-KDV:01_013_29]
I intend to carry these maidens off from here by force, rulers of the earth. Exert yourselves to the utmost of your power, whether for victory or defeat. I stand ready for battle, rulers of the earth, resolute in my purpose. (BORI: 1-096-12)
[PV-KDV:01_013_30]
Having thus addressed the kings and the king of Kashi, the valiant Kaurava placed all the maidens on his own chariot. Then, after taking leave of them, he swiftly departed, taking the maidens with him. (BORI: 1-096-13)
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Then all those enraged kings sprang up, slapping their arms and biting their lips. (BORI: 1-096-14)
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As they hurriedly removed their ornaments and donned their armor, tremendous commotion arose. (BORI: 1-096-15)
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O Janamejaya, the bright ornaments and armor scattered everywhere like falling stars. (BORI: 1-096-16)
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They, their armor and ornaments suddenly gleaming here and there, their brows furrowed with anger and indignation and their eyes bloodshot… (BORI: 1-096-17)
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Those warriors mounted splendid chariots prepared by their charioteers and harnessed to excellent horses. Equipped with every kind of weapon and with weapons raised, they followed the lone Kaurava as he departed. (BORI: 1-096-18)
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Then, descendant of Bharata, a fierce and hair-raising battle arose between him alone and the many of them. (BORI: 1-096-19)
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They hurled ten thousand arrows at him all at once, but before they could reach him, Bhishma swiftly cut them all down. (BORI: 1-096-20)
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Then all those kings surrounded him on every side and showered him with a rain of arrows, as clouds shower a mountain with rain. (BORI: 1-096-21)
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He warded off that rain of arrows on every side with his own shafts, then pierced each of the kings with three arrows. (BORI: 1-096-22)
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Even his enemies praised that chariot-warrior’s agility, which surpassed that of other men, and the way he protected himself in battle. (BORI: 1-096-23)
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After defeating them in battle, the descendant of Bharata, skilled in every weapon, set out with the maidens toward the Bharatas. (BORI: 1-096-24)
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Then, O king, the mighty chariot-warrior King Shalva, of immeasurable spirit, attacked Bhishma, Shantanu’s son, from behind in battle. (BORI: 1-096-25)
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as another herd-leading elephant, foremost of the strong, upon reaching a cow elephant, strikes an elephant in the hindquarters with his tusks. (BORI: 1-096-26)
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“Stop! Stop, you who lust after women!” the mighty-armed King of Shalva said to Bhishma, driven on by indignation. (BORI: 1-096-27)
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Then Bhishma, that tiger among men and crusher of enemy forces, agitated by those words and blazing with anger like a smokeless fire... (BORI: 1-096-28)
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Embracing the warrior’s duty, the great chariot-warrior, free from fear and agitation, turned his chariot back toward Shalva. (BORI: 1-096-29)
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Seeing him turn back, all those kings became spectators of the encounter between Bhishma and Shalva. (BORI: 1-096-30)
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The two powerful warriors, roaring like bulls in the presence of a cow and endowed with strength and valor, charged at one another. (BORI: 1-096-31)
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Then the noble King of Shalva showered Bhishma, son of Shantanu, with hundreds of thousands of swift-flying arrows. (BORI: 1-096-32)
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Seeing Bhishma for the first time hard-pressed by Shalva, those kings were amazed and cried, “Well done! Well done!” (BORI: 1-096-33)
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Seeing his agility in battle, all the assembled kings rejoiced and praised King Shalva with their words. (BORI: 1-096-34)
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Hearing the words of the Kshatriyas, Bhishma, Shantanu’s son and conqueror of enemy cities, grew angry and cried, “Stop! Stop!” (BORI: 1-096-35)
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Enraged, he said to his charioteer, “Drive to where that king is, so that I may slay him today as Garuḍa slays a serpent.” (BORI: 1-096-36)
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Then the Kaurava properly readied the Varuṇa weapon and with it struck down all four of the king of Śālva’s horses, O king. (BORI: 1-096-37)
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Having countered the king of Shalva’s weapons with his own, that Kaurava, Bhishma, O tiger among kings, slew his charioteer; then, with a single weapon, he also slew his finest horses. (BORI: 1-096-38)
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Then, best of men, Bhishma, Shantanu’s son, having defeated the noble king for the sake of the maiden, let him go alive. Thereupon, bull of the Bharatas, Shalva returned to his own city. (BORI: 1-096-39)
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The kings who had gathered there to witness the svayaṃvara also returned to their own realms, O conqueror of enemy cities. (BORI: 1-096-40)
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Having thus won the maidens, Bhishma, foremost of warriors, set out for Hastinapura, where the Kaurava king was. (BORI: 1-096-41)
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In a very short time, O king, he crossed forests and rivers, and mountains covered with many kinds of trees. (BORI: 1-096-42)
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Unscathed after destroying his enemies in battle, the son of the river that flows to the ocean, a warrior of immeasurable prowess, brought away the daughters of the king of Kashi. (BORI: 1-096-43)
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That righteous man received them as daughters-in-law, younger sisters, and daughters, and departed for the land of the Kurus. (BORI: 1-096-44)
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Bhishma gave all those accomplished women, won by his valor, to his younger brother Vichitravirya. (BORI: 1-096-45)
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After performing a superhuman feat in accordance with the law of the virtuous, the self-possessed knower of dharma privately reached a decision with Satyavati and began arranging the marriage of his brother Vichitravirya. (BORI: 1-096-46)
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Then the eldest of the king of Kashi’s daughters, a virtuous woman, spoke these words to Bhishma as he was about to arrange the marriage: (BORI: 1-096-47)
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I had already chosen the lord of Saubha in my heart as my husband, and he had already chosen me. This was also my father’s wish. (BORI: 1-096-48)
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I was to choose Śālva at that svayaṃvara. Knowing this, you who understand dharma, act in accordance with dharma. (BORI: 1-096-49)
[PV-KDV:01_013_67]
Thus addressed by the maiden in the assembly of Brahmins, the heroic Bhishma fell into reflection appropriate to that very matter. (BORI: 1-096-50)
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After reaching a decision in consultation with Brahmins learned in the Vedas, he, knowing dharma, then gave leave to the eldest, Amba, daughter of the king of Kashi. (BORI: 1-096-51)
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Bhishma gave Ambika and Ambalika as wives to his younger brother Vichitravirya, with the rites prescribed by law. (BORI: 1-096-52)
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Taking the hands of the two women in marriage, the righteous Vicitravirya, proud of his beauty and youth, became wholly given to sensual desire. (BORI: 1-096-53)
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Those two as well—tall and dark-complexioned, with dark curly hair, prominent red nails, and full hips and breasts— (BORI: 1-096-54)
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Thinking, “We have obtained a husband who is a match for us,” those two honored the handsome Vicitravirya. (BORI: 1-096-55)
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Resembling the Ashvins in appearance and possessing divine strength and valor, he captivated the hearts of all women. (BORI: 1-096-56)
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After spending seven years with the two of them, the young king Vichitravirya contracted consumption. (BORI: 1-096-57)
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Despite the efforts of his friends and trusted physicians, the Kaurava went to the abode of Yama, like the sun setting. (BORI: 1-096-58)
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Acting in accordance with Satyavatī’s wishes, Bhīṣma had all the funeral rites for King Vicitravīrya duly performed, together with the officiating priests and all the foremost Kurus. (BORI: 1-096-59)
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Seeing that his brother Vichitravirya had come of age and was living in unparalleled happiness, Bhishma, foremost of the wise, resolved to arrange his marriage. (KUMB: 1-109-2)
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Maddened by desire for them, the kings of Kashi and Kosala, together with the Vangas, Pundras, and Kalingas, went to that city. (KUMB: 1-109-6)
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But then, as the kings’ names were being proclaimed one after another, Bhishma alone—the aged son of Shantanu… (KUMB: 1-109-7; NILA: 01.102.006)
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Seeing him, all those exceedingly beautiful maidens drew away in alarm, thinking only, “He is old.” (KUMB: 1-109-8; NILA: 01.102.007)
[PV-SVO:01_013_81]
Why has this shameless bull of the Bharatas, an old man of the highest virtue, wrinkled and gray-haired, come here? (KUMB: 1-109-9; NILA: 01.102.008)
[PV-SVO:01_013_82]
What will Bharata’s descendant, whose vow has proved false, say before the world? For Bhishma’s reputation on earth as a celibate has indeed been in vain. (KUMB: 1-109-10; NILA: 01.102.009)
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Speaking thus, those vilest of kings laughed. Vaishampayana said: Hearing the Kshatriyas’ words, Bhishma grew angry, O Bharata. (KUMB: 1-109-11; KUMB: 1-109-11क्ष्; NILA: 01.102.010)
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Others obtain wives by following the rite prescribed by the seers. Know that to be the eighth form of marriage, approved by the wise. (KUMB: 1-109-16; NILA: 01.102.015)
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He cut them down with a great shower of feathered arrows. Then all those kings, surrounding him on every side… (KUMB: 1-109-28; NILA: 01.102.027)
[PV-SVO:01_013_86]
Then he pierced each of the kings with three arrows; each of them in turn, O king, pierced Bhishma with five. (KUMB: 1-109-30; NILA: 01.102.029)
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Displaying his prowess, he in turn struck each of them with two arrows. That battle was fierce and tumultuous, like the combat between the gods and the asuras. (KUMB: 1-109-31; NILA: 01.102.030)
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—thick with arrows and lances as the heroes of the world looked on. Bows, the tips of standards, suits of armor, and heads he… (KUMB: 1-109-32; NILA: 01.102.031)
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In battle Bhishma cut them down by the hundreds and thousands. That chariot-warrior’s superhuman feat and agility… (KUMB: 1-109-33; NILA: 01.102.032)
[PV-SVO:01_013_90]
Agitated by those words and blazing with anger like a smokeless fire, he held his bow and arrow drawn, his brow furrowed… (KUMB: 1-109-40; NILA: 01.102.038)
[PV-SVO:01_013_91]
The king then ruled his own kingdom righteously; and the kings who were there, eager to witness the svayamvara… (KUMB: 1-109-53; NILA: 01.102.051)
[PV-SVO:01_013_92]
He departed for Hastinapura, where the righteous Kaurava king Vichitravirya rules this earth. (KUMB: 1-109-55; NILA: 01.102.053)
[PV-SVO:01_013_93]
Like his father, the Kaurava Shantanu, foremost of kings, he too, O king, covering the distance in a very short time… (KUMB: 1-109-56; NILA: 01.102.054)
[PV-SVO:01_013_94]
Taking them as though they were his own daughters, he went to the Kurus. The mighty-armed man brought them there, wishing to please his brother. (KUMB: 1-109-59; NILA: 01.102.057)
[PV-SVO:01_013_95]
But this maiden whom I won—the eldest, Ambā—is attached to another. She has been promised in word, given in thought, and had the nuptial benedictions pronounced over her. (KUMB: 1-109-66)
[PV-SVO:01_013_96]
“But she has been promised to another and thinks of another, so she must be released.” Having said this and secured the agreement of his brother, who deferred to his will… (KUMB: 1-109-67)
[PV-SVO:01_013_97]
Having taken the hands of the other two in marriage, the righteous Vichitravirya, proud of his beauty and youth, would not accept Amba under any circumstances. (KUMB: 1-109-70)
[PV-SVO:01_013_98]
Regarding beautiful Amba, who was said to belong to another, Vicitravirya said, “This desire is merely the fruit of sin—improper, futile, and dependent on another for its fulfillment. Noble sir, you should not involve me in it.” (KUMB: 1-109-71; KUMB: 1-109-71क्ष्)
[PV-SVO:01_013_99]
Śantanu’s line has continued, dear one, and you are its successor. Free from desire, O righteous man, I approve your decision. (KUMB: 1-109-72)
[PV-SVO:01_013_100]
Having said this, he looked at Ambā and addressed her formally: “You are released. Go wherever you wish, blameless lady.” (KUMB: 1-109-73)
[PV-SVO:01_013_101]
I cannot ask my beloved brother to do what should not be asked of him. And who would keep in his house a woman whose heart belongs to another? (KUMB: 1-109-74)
[PV-SVO:01_013_102]
Therefore I will not oblige you; your desire is for another—go to him. I too shall remain celibate, having renounced relations with women. (KUMB: 1-109-75)
[PV-SVO:01_013_103]
“There can never be any union between us.” Vaishampayana said: Thus addressed, she departed, surrounded by her female companions. (KUMB: 1-109-76; KUMB: 1-109-76क्ष्)
[PV-SVO:01_013_104]
Sent on her way, she proceeded slowly toward King Shalva’s city, O king. Then Amba came to Shalva, paid him due honor, and said to him… (KUMB: 1-109-77)
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I had already set my heart on you, fair-faced one, and have come to you after leaving Devavrata, bull of the Bharatas, and his younger brothers… (KUMB: 1-109-78)
[PV-SVO:01_013_106]
Accept me, who have come willingly, according to the proper rite. May good fortune be yours. (KUMB: 1-109-79)
[PV-SVO:01_013_107]
Addressed thus by her, Salva laughed and said, “Bhishma won you after defeating me in the presence of the kings… (KUMB: 1-109-80)
[PV-SVO:01_013_108]
My dear, I will not accept you, since another man won you and then sent you away from his abode. Lovely woman, go back there. (KUMB: 1-109-81)
[PV-SVO:01_013_109]
Thus addressed, Amba returned to the unsurpassed kingdom of the Kurus and said to Bhishma, “You carried me off by force.” (KUMB: 1-109-82)
[PV-SVO:01_013_110]
Consider the duty of a Kshatriya: by right, you are my husband. Any maiden whom a man wins at a svayamvara through his prowess… (KUMB: 1-109-83)
[PV-SVO:01_013_111]
After defeating all the kings, he should certainly marry her. Therefore, you alone are my husband, since I was won by you. (KUMB: 1-109-84)
[PV-SVO:01_013_112]
“Therefore marry me, Bhishma, for you won me in the assembly.” But he replied again and again, “I am celibate.” (KUMB: 1-109-85)
[PV-SVO:01_013_113]
Amba said to Bhishma, “Since you won me, act accordingly.” Thus the lotus-eyed woman followed Bhishma for six years. (KUMB: 1-109-86)
[PV-SVO:01_013_114]
But I, fair lady, have become celibate and averse to marriage. Go to that very Śālva whom you had previously chosen in your heart. (KUMB: 1-109-87)
[PV-SVO:01_013_115]
Why did you previously declare yourself attached to another? For one should not keep in one’s own house a maiden bride who is attached to another. (KUMB: 1-109-88)
[PV-SVO:01_013_116]
“I will not give you in marriage to my younger brother Vichitravirya. Fair lady, go wherever you wish.” (KUMB: 1-109-89)
[PV-SVO:01_013_117]
Approaching Salva once more, O king, she said, “Take me.” But Salva rejected her, saying, “I will not take a woman won by another”... (KUMB: 1-109-90)
[PV-SVO:01_013_118]
Rejected also by Bhishma, who said, “But I am celibate,” Amba—to Bhishma, then Salva, Bhishma, Salva, again and again… (KUMB: 1-109-91)
[PV-SVO:01_013_119]
Thus she spent six years going back and forth, O king, grieving and watering the earth with her tears—that proud-spirited woman. (KUMB: 1-109-92)
[PV-SVO:01_013_120]
With a pair of full, high breasts, broad hips and large eyes, her gait languid from the weight of her hips, and her face resembling the full moon... (KUMB: 1-109-93)
[PV-SVO:01_013_121]
Shining like flickering lightning atop a rain cloud, she then undertook severe austerities for twelve years beside the Bāhudā River, on a lovely slope of the Himalaya. (KUMB: 1-109-94)
[PV-SVO:01_013_122]
There, the virtuous woman, restraining her senses and undertaking austerity, stood on the tip of one big toe; then the gods trembled. (KUMB: 1-109-95)
[PV-SVO:01_013_123]
Seeing that austerity of hers, which was disturbing the gods, he was both astonished and delighted, and resolved to favor her… (KUMB: 1-109-96)
[PV-SVO:01_013_124]
The blessed Kumara, lord of boundless hosts, the sovereign granter of boons, honored the princess and gave her an auspicious garland. (KUMB: 1-109-97)
[PV-SVO:01_013_125]
This divine lotus garland has duly appeared. Amba, this garland will allay your grief on earth. (KUMB: 1-109-98)
[PV-SVO:01_013_126]
Whoever wears this garland that I have given you will indeed be the cause of Bhishma’s death. (KUMB: 1-109-99)
[PV-SVO:01_013_127]
The foolish Salva does not accept me, saying that I belonged to another man before. And so I, deprived of both righteousness and love and bearing my grief... (KUMB: 1-110-1)
[PV-SVO:01_013_128]
Husbandless, I appeal everywhere to all the Kshatriyas: “This garland is for you, Kshatriyas; it will kill Bhishma.” (KUMB: 1-110-2)
[PV-SVO:01_013_129]
And I shall become the wife of the man who kills Bhishma.” As she wandered about, another five years passed. (KUMB: 1-110-3)
[PV-SVO:01_013_130]
No Kshatriya offered her refuge, for fear of Bhishma. Amba went to the illustrious Somaka among the Panchalas… (KUMB: 1-110-4)
[PV-SVO:01_013_131]
—true to his word, a great archer, and devoted to the law of truth. Reaching the assembly door, which was guarded by the Panchalas, she… (KUMB: 1-110-5)
[PV-SVO:01_013_132]
Grasping the Panchala king’s arms with her own lovely arms, she cried out, “I am being slain by Bhishma and am sinking as though in a lake—” (KUMB: 1-110-6)
[PV-SVO:01_013_133]
Yajnasena, hurry here! Take my hand and pull me out! Because of him, all my duties and every pleasure of love... (KUMB: 1-110-7)
[PV-SVO:01_013_134]
Both worlds and fame, root and fruit alike, have been taken away. Though I cry out in this way, I find no Kshatriya anywhere in whom to seek refuge. (KUMB: 1-110-8)
[PV-SVO:01_013_135]
Is the world then devoid of Kshatriyas, that an unprotected man is left to perish? But when the kings, the foremost of rulers, had assembled, I addressed them. (KUMB: 1-110-9)
[PV-SVO:01_013_136]
Let all the kings hear what I have said—all you foremost kings, the elders among the Ikshvakus and the finest among the Panchalas. (KUMB: 1-110-10)
[PV-SVO:01_013_137]
Through your favor, may Dharma not defeat me in this marriage. Be gracious, Yajnasena; be my refuge in this matter, Somaka. (KUMB: 1-110-11)
[PV-SVO:01_013_138]
I understand you, princess, and I am instructing you in particular. To the best of my ability and in accordance with dharma, I shall muster my strength. (KUMB: 1-110-12)
[PV-SVO:01_013_139]
Whatever danger you may face from another king, O king’s daughter, I am capable of arranging the means to remove it. (KUMB: 1-110-13)
[PV-SVO:01_013_140]
But I have no power over Shantanu’s son, who wields mighty weapons, for the strength of Kshatriyas follows dharma. (KUMB: 1-110-14)
[PV-SVO:01_013_141]
So go, fair lady, lest Bhishma destroy me by force. Why none of them accepted you, I simply do not know. (KUMB: 1-110-15)
[PV-SVO:01_013_142]
“For I am in no way able to grant you justice against Bhishma.” Vaishampayana said: Thus addressed, she hung the garland at the king’s gate and ran away. (KUMB: 1-110-16; KUMB: 1-110-16क्ष्)
[PV-SVO:01_013_143]
Drupada followed her, rejected in every realm and firm in her vow through austerity, repeatedly speaking conciliatory words. (KUMB: 1-110-17)
[PV-SVO:01_013_144]
Accept the garland, fair lady, and do not provoke hostility toward us. (KUMB: 1-110-18)
[PV-SVO:01_013_145]
This is exactly what he expects you to do. His intention is not otherwise; this is divine, not human. (KUMB: 1-110-19)
[PV-SVO:01_013_146]
Whoever takes this garland and puts it on himself will slay Bhishma in battle, the destroyer of my dharma. (KUMB: 1-110-20)
[PV-SVO:01_013_147]
King Drupada kept that garland for some time. Then, growing confident, he silently left it neglected. (KUMB: 1-110-21)
[PV-SVO:01_013_148]
The girl Śikhaṇḍinī put on the garland in defiance of her father. Fearing that this would offend Bhīṣma, her father promptly cast her out. (KUMB: 1-110-22)
[PV-SVO:01_013_149]
Frightened, the ascetic woman approached the Brahmin ascetic Ishika, who was practicing austerities at Gangadvara, in order to win his favor. (KUMB: 1-110-23)
[PV-SVO:01_013_150]
Highly pleased by her attentions, the eminent sage said to her, “Before long, there will be a separation at Gangadvara.” (KUMB: 1-110-24)
[PV-SVO:01_013_151]
There, strive to propitiate Tumburu, the handsome king of the Gandharvas, and serve him well. (KUMB: 1-110-25)
[PV-SVO:01_013_152]
I too will assist you in this matter, lovely one. Then attend upon him—may all be well with you. He will secure what is best for you. (KUMB: 1-110-26)
[PV-SVO:01_013_153]
Then a division took place there among the Gandharvas, and two Gandharvas of immeasurable vigor remained. (KUMB: 1-110-27)
[PV-SVO:01_013_154]
One of the two, seeing her and wishing to become a woman, said, “Take this male sex; I choose your female sex.” (KUMB: 1-110-28)
[PV-SVO:01_013_155]
There the two of them, the woman and the man, made an agreement. Then Shikhandin, the slayer of enemy warriors, became a man. (KUMB: 1-110-29)
[PV-SVO:01_013_156]
Having become a woman, the Gandharva departed in delight, while the illustrious son of Yajñasena, having attained great joy... (KUMB: 1-110-30)
[PV-SVO:01_013_157]
Then he went to Budbudaka and again practiced with weapons. Having mastered celestial weapons there, that exceedingly radiant man… (KUMB: 1-110-31)
[PV-SVO:01_013_158]
He reached his own land of Panchala, O descendant of Kuru. That great archer, having bowed at his father’s feet, then stood with palms joined… (KUMB: 1-110-32)
[PV-SVO:01_013_159]
He said, “You must not be afraid of Bhishma in any way.” (KUMB: 1-110-33)
[PV-SVO:01_013_160]
When Amba had departed, Bhishma, son of Shantanu, had the king’s wedding ceremony performed in due form. (KUMB: 1-111-1)
[PV-SVO:01_013_161]
After marrying Ambika and Ambalika in the presence of the fire and taking their hands, the righteous Kaurava Vichitravirya, proud of his beauty, became devoted to sensual pleasure. (KUMB: 1-111-2)
[PV-SVO:01_013_162]
The two women were devoted to one another and lived as though of one mind. And he, as handsome as the Ashvins and as valiant as a god, secretly captivated the hearts of all women. (KUMB: 1-111-5)
[PV-SVO:01_013_163]
But the righteous son of Gaṅgā, overwhelmed by grief and anxiety, had all his funeral rites duly performed. (KUMB: 1-111-8; NILA: 01.102.072)
[PV-SVO:01_013_164]