1 The Great Indian Story Of Warriors: Bhishma, (Part 1: Birth and Training)

Once upon a time, in the ancient kingdom of Hastinapura, there ruled a wise and just king named Shantanu. He was admired by his subjects for his wisdom, courage, and benevolence. However, King Shantanu's life took an unexpected turn when he encountered the enchanting goddess Ganga, who had taken the form of a beautiful woman.

Captivated by her ethereal beauty, King Shantanu approached the woman and struck up a conversation. As they spoke, he became enamoured by her intelligence, grace, and charm. The king soon discovered that she was none other than the river goddess Ganga herself, a divine being who was revered by all.

Impressed by King Shantanu's virtues, Goddess Ganga reciprocated his affection and agreed to marry him, on one condition. She told the king that their union would be a sacred one, but there was a catch: King Shantanu must promise to never question or interfere in her actions, no matter what they may be.

King Shantanu, deeply in love and filled with trust, readily agreed to the condition, and they were married in a grand ceremony. The kingdom rejoiced as their beloved king found happiness with the goddess herself.

In due course, Goddess Ganga gave birth to a son, who they named Devarath. The child possessed an aura of divinity and radiance that captivated all who laid eyes upon him. King Shantanu and Goddess Ganga were overjoyed and showered their son with love and affection.

But as time passed, King Shantanu's curiosity began to grow, and he wondered why his beloved wife would occasionally disappear for long periods, only to return with empty arms. The condition he had agreed to weighed heavily on his mind, yet he struggled with his unquenchable desire to know the truth.

One day, unable to bear the curiosity any longer, King Shantanu broke his promise and confronted Goddess Ganga. With a heavy heart, he asked her about the mysterious disappearances and her empty arms upon her return.

Goddess Ganga, saddened by the king's inability to trust her completely, revealed the truth. She explained that each time she disappeared, it was because she had been taking their children's lives soon after their birth. She had been ordered by the gods to do so, as their children were destined to attain higher realms and did not belong in the mortal world. Because these children were cursed by the gods as they stole Kamdhenu(Holy Cow) from A Saint and took it to heaven because of such act and these children were cursed by the gods to take birth and live life with miseries and pain and will never receive any happiness in the world. They asked Goddess Ganga to help them by giving them birth and killing them instantly after birth so that they will see no hardship in their lives in the mortal realm and they can go back to a higher realm.

King Shantanu was devastated upon learning the truth. He realized that his lack of trust had not only broken their sacred bond but also caused the loss of their children. Filled with remorse and regret, he fell to his knees, begging for forgiveness.

Goddess Ganga, ever compassionate, forgave King Shantanu and spare their only son but knew that their path together had come to an end. She explained that she would leave, taking their son Devarath with her, and would raise him as a great warrior and protector of Dharma. She assured the king that their son would return one day to bring honour and glory to the kingdom as Devrath will be trained by Demigods in heaven.

With a heavy heart, King Shantanu watched as Goddess Ganga disappeared into the horizon, taking their son with her. He vowed to live the rest of his life in penance for his actions, honouring the memory of his beloved wife and their divine child.

14 Years later, Devarath, now known as Bhishma, returned to Hastinapura, fulfilling his mother's prophecy. He became a pillar of strength and righteousness, serving as the protector of the kingdom and upholding dharma until his last breath.

King Shantanu, with his heart filled with pride and gratitude, passed away, knowing that his son had fulfilled his destiny. To be continued.....