After defeating the Shalva Prince Devavrata took him as captive. In the Court of law Devavrata entreated king to pardon Shalva Prince and freed him, thinking that killing increases enmity. He thought to battle enmity by extending the hand of friendship, which can lay foundation for secure and progressive future. King Shantanu overjoyed by the wisdom of his son and he name Devavrata as crown Prince of Hastinapur. Father and son established a great bond of happiness and love. As time went by soon Devavrata was young man.
In mean time King Shantanu came across beautiful charismatic Satyavati, a ferrywoman on the banks of Yamuna river. Satyavati was adoptive daughter of Dashraj, fisherman. Being captivated by the beauty and fragrance of Satyavati, King Shantanu proposed her for marriage. But Satyavati reminded the King that it was his father who decides her marriage. Despite being a King, Shantanu who was in love spree went straight to Dashraj to seek permission to marry Satyavati. Dashraj was pleased to listen to this but his heart desired to see Satyavati's son rule Hastinapur. But the King denied the plea of Dashraj as it would be injustice to Devavrata. Thus King upheld his worthiness and duty. Heart craved for Satyavati but Dashraj's words haunted King which left him in agony for days and months. King's mind was in turmoil and his silence created chaos in Devavrata. Soon Devavrata found out the reason behind his father's agony and rushed to Dashraj to seek answer. As soon as he realised that he was the obstacle between Satyavati's son and Hastinapur throne he promised Dashraj that Satyavati's eldest son will sit on the throne of Hastinapur. Though Devavrata sacrificed his right for his father's happiness, Dashraj still feared of Devavrata's children who may lay claim to the throne in future. To put an end to the baseless fear of Dashraj, Devavrata took an eternal oath.
"I, Gangaputra, Devavrata in the presence of all four cardinal directions, the earth and sky, swear this oath that I shall remain celibate lifelong. I shall render my service to whosoever sat on the throne of my father. This is my eternal oath!"
Devavrata who, in the blink of an eye became Bhishma because of his terrible oath. There is no such reference of fierce oath took by anyone for the happiness of their loved ones.Overwhelmed with the pledge of celibacy, Shantanu bestowed a befitting boon upon Bhishma that he can die at his own will.
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