Devavrat Becomes Bheeshma

"I'm worried about your safety and well-being," Shantanu lied. "If something bad happens to you, I will not have a successor." He had already announced that he would not remarry.

Devavrat easily realized that the actual issue was something different, so he requested the king's attendant to reveal the truth.

"He wishes to marry a fisherman's daughter," replied the attendant.

"Well, what's the problem with that?" asked Devavrat.

"The fisherman will consent to the wedding only on one condition: that his daughter's future son will be crowned prince."

Devavrat pondered momentarily before instructing the attendant to accompany him to the Yamuna riverbank.

Devavrat approached Dasharaj and requested that he allow his daughter to marry King Shantanu. With folded hands, Dasharaj reiterated his stipulation: "You are the king's eldest son," he said. "How can another child ascend the throne while you're around?"

"I give you my word," replied Devavrat solemnly, "that your daughter's son will be crowned king."

"I believe you will honor your promise," said Dasharaj. "But what about your children? They will certainly fight for the throne."

"Then, I swear I will never marry; I will remain a lifelong bachelor." After making this vow, Devavrat became known as Bheeshma, which means 'one who has taken a terrible oath.'