Mahābhārata · Adhyāya 1.107
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1.107.1
स राजा शान्तनुर्धीमान्देवराजर्षिसत्कृतः ।
धर्मात्मा सर्वलोकेषु सत्यवागिति विश्रुतः ॥ १.१०७.१ ॥
That wise king Śāntanu, honored by the lord of gods and by royal sages, was renowned in all worlds as righteous in spirit and truthful in speech.
1.107.2
शान्तनोः कीर्तयिष्यामि सर्वानेव गुणानहम् ।
दमो दानं क्षमा बुद्धिर्ह्रीर्धृतिस्तेज उत्तमम्।
नित्यान्यासन्महासत्वे शान्तनौ पुरुषर्षभे ॥ १.१०७.२ ॥
I shall recount all the qualities of Śāntanu: self-restraint, giving, forgiveness, wisdom, modesty, steadfastness and supreme splendor — these were always present in that great-souled bull among men, Śāntanu.
1.107.3
एवं स गुणसंपन्नो धर्मार्थकुशलो नृपः ।
आसीद्भरतवंशस्य गोप्ता सर्वजनस्य च ॥ १.१०७.३ ॥
Thus endowed with virtues and skilled in dharma and wealth, that king became the protector of the Bharata lineage and of all people.
1.107.4
कम्बुग्रीवः पृथुव्यंसो मत्तवारणविक्रमः ।
अन्वितः परिपूर्णार्थैः सर्वैर्नृपतिलक्षणैः ॥ १.१०७.४ ॥
With a neck like a conch, broad shoulders and the valor of a rutting elephant, he was endowed with all the marks of a king and with fully accomplished aims.
1.107.5
तस्य कीर्तिमतो वृत्तमवेक्ष्य सततं नराः ।
धर्म एव परः कामादर्थाच्चेति व्यवस्थितः ॥ १.१०७.५ ॥
Observing the conduct of that renowned king constantly, people came to hold that dharma alone is supreme, above desire and above wealth.
1.107.6
एवमासीन्महासत्वः शान्तनुर्भरतर्षभ ।
न चास्य सदृशः कश्चिद्धर्मतः पार्थिवोऽभवत् ॥ १.१०७.६ ॥
Thus was that great-souled Śāntanu, O bull of the Bharatas; and no other king on earth was his equal in dharma.
1.107.7
वर्तमानं हि धर्मेषु सर्वधर्मभृतां वरम् ।
तं महीपा महीपालं राजराज्येऽभ्यषेचयन् ॥ १.१०७.७ ॥
Since he abided in dharma, the best of all who bear dharma, the kings anointed that protector of the earth in the kingdom of kings.
1.107.8
वीतशोकभयाबाधाः सुखस्वप्ननिबोधनाः ।
पतिं भारतगोप्तारं समपद्यन्त भूमिपाः ॥ १.१०७.८ ॥
Free from grief, fear and affliction, waking as from happy sleep, the kings attained that lord, the protector of the Bharatas.
1.107.9
तेन कीर्तिमता शिष्टाः शक्रप्रतिमतेजसा ।
यज्ञदानक्रियाशीलाः समपद्यन्त भूमिपाः ॥ १.१०७.९ ॥
Disciplined by him, famed, of splendor equal to Indra's, the kings became devoted to sacrifice and giving.
1.107.10
शान्तनुप्रमुखैर्गुप्ते लोके नृपतिभिस्तदा ।
नियमात्सर्ववर्णानां धर्मोत्तरमवर्तत ॥ १.१०७.१० ॥
Then, in the world protected by kings led by Śāntanu, dharma prevailed above all among the social classes, by rule.
1.107.11
ब्रह्म पर्यचरत्क्षत्रं विशः क्षत्रमनुव्रताः ।
ब्रह्मक्षत्रानुरक्ताश्च शूद्राः पर्यचरन्विशः ॥ १.१०७.११ ॥
The kṣatriyas served the brahmins; the vaiśyas, following the kṣatriyas, served them; and the śūdras, devoted to brahmins and kṣatriyas, served the vaiśyas.
1.107.12
स हास्तिनपुरे रम्ये कुरूणां पुटभेदने ।
वसन्सागरपर्यन्तामन्वशासद्वसुन्धराम् ॥ १.१०७.१२ ॥
Dwelling in the delightful Hāstinapura of the Kurus, he ruled the earth bounded by the ocean.
1.107.13
स देवराजसदृशो धर्मज्ञः सत्यवागृजुः ।
दानधर्मतपोयोगाच्छ्रिया परमया युतः ॥ १.१०७.१३ ॥
He was like Indra, king of the gods, knowing dharma, truthful and upright, endowed with supreme splendour through giving, dharma, austerity and discipline.
1.107.14
अरागद्वेषसंयुक्तः सोमवत्प्रियदर्शनः ।
तेजसा सूर्यकल्पोऽभूद्वायुवेगसमो जवे।
अन्तकप्रतिमः कोपे क्षमया पृथिवीसमः ॥ १.१०७.१४ ॥
Free from attachment and aversion, he was pleasant to behold like the moon; in brilliance he was like the sun, in speed equal to the wind; in anger like Death, in forbearance like the earth.
1.107.15
वधः पशुवराहाणां तथैव मृगपक्षिणाम् ।
शान्तनौ पृथिवीपाले नावर्तत तथा नृप ॥ १.१०७.१५ ॥
O king, in the reign of Śāntanu, the protector of the earth, there was no slaughter of beasts, boars, deer or birds.
1.107.16
ब्रह्मधर्मोत्तरे राज्ये शान्तनुर्विनयात्मवान् ।
समं शशास भूतानि कामरागविवर्जितः ॥ १.१०७.१६ ॥
In a kingdom where Brahmins and dharma held the highest place, Śāntanu, humble of nature and free from desire and attachment, ruled all beings equally.
1.107.17
चकोरनेत्रस्ताम्रास्यः सिंहर्षभगतिर्युवा ।
गुणैरनुपमैर्युक्तः समस्तैराभिगामिकैः।
गम्भीरः सत्वसंपन्नः पूर्णचन्द्रनिभाननः ॥ १.१०७.१७ ॥
He was young, with eyes like the cakora bird and a reddish face, his gait like a lion or a bull; endowed with all the unmatched qualities befitting a king, profound, rich in strength of character, with a face like the full moon.
1.107.18
देवर्षिपितृयज्ञार्थमारभ्यन्त तदा क्रियाः ।
न चाधर्मेण केषांचित्प्राणिनामभवद्वधः ॥ १.१०७.१८ ॥
Then rites were begun for the sacrifices of gods, sages and ancestors, and no creature was killed unrighteously.
1.107.19
असुखानामनाथानां तिर्यग्योनिषु वर्तताम् ।
स एव राजा सर्वेषां भूतानामभवत्पिता ॥ १.१०७.१९ ॥
That very king became the father of all beings: of the unhappy, the unprotected, and those living in animal wombs.
1.107.20
तस्मिन्कुरुपतिश्रेष्ठे राजराजेश्वरे सति ।
श्रिता वागभवत्सत्यं दानधर्माश्रितं मनः ॥ १.१०७.२० ॥
While he, the best of Kuru lords and lord of kings, reigned, speech resorted to truth and the mind to the dharma of giving.
1.107.21
यज्ञार्थं पशवः सृष्टाः संतानार्थं च मैथुनम् ।
स समाः षोडशाष्टौ च चतस्रोऽष्टौ तथाऽपराः।
रतिमप्राप्नुवन्स्त्रीषु बभूव वनगोचरः ॥ १.१०७.२१ ॥
Animals were created for sacrifice and sexual union for the sake of offspring. For sixteen years, eight, four, eight and others he obtained no delight in women and became a forest-dweller.
1.107.22
तथारूपस्तथाचारस्तथावृत्तस्तथाश्रुतः ।
गाङ्गेयस्तस्य पुत्रोऽभून्नाम्ना देवव्रतो वसुः ॥ १.१०७.२२ ॥
Such in form, conduct, behaviour and learning, Gāṅgeya became his son, named Devavrata Vasu.
1.107.23
सर्वास्त्रेषु स निष्णातः पार्थिवेष्वितरेषु च ।
महाबलो महासत्वो महावीर्यो महारथः ॥ १.१०७.२३ ॥
He was skilled in all weapons, among kings and others alike; mighty in strength, of great courage, great valour, a great charioteer.
1.107.24
स कदाचिन्मृगं विद्ध्वा गङ्गामनुसरन्नदीम् ।
भागीरथीमल्पजलां शान्तनुर्दृष्टवान्नृपः ॥ १.१०७.२४ ॥
Once, having shot a deer and following the river Gaṅgā, King Śāntanu saw the Bhāgīrathī with little water.
1.107.25
तां दृष्ट्वा चिन्तयामास शान्तनुः पुरुषर्षभः ।
स्यन्दते किं न्वियं नाद्य सरिच्छ्रेष्ठा यथा पुरा ॥ १.१०७.२५ ॥
Seeing her, Śāntanu, bull among men, pondered: "Why does this best of rivers not flow today as it did before?"
1.107.26
ततो निमित्तमन्विच्छन्ददर्श स महामनाः ।
कुमारं रूपसंपन्नं बृहन्तं चारुदर्शनम् ॥ १.१०७.२६ ॥
Then, seeking the cause, that great-minded one saw a youth endowed with beauty, tall and pleasing to behold.
1.107.27
दिव्यमस्त्रं विकुर्वाणं यथा देवं पुरन्दरम् ।
कृत्स्नां गङ्गां समावृत्य शरैस्तीक्ष्णैरवस्थितम् ॥ १.१०७.२७ ॥
He was wielding a divine weapon, like Indra, lord of gods, and stood covering the entire Gaṅgā with sharp arrows.
1.107.28
तां शरैराचितां दृष्ट्वा नदीं गङ्गां तदन्तिके ।
अभवद्विस्मितो राजा दृष्ट्वा कर्मातिमानुषम् ॥ १.१०७.२८ ॥
Seeing that Gaṅgā river nearby covered with arrows, and seeing that superhuman deed, the king was amazed.
1.107.29
जातमात्रं पुरा दृष्टं तं पुत्रं शान्तनुस्तदा ।
नोपलेभे स्मृतिं धीमानभिज्ञातुं तमात्मजम् ॥ १.१०७.२९ ॥
The wise Śāntanu could not recall, at that time, the son he had seen when first born, so as to recognize him as his own son.
1.107.30
स तु तं पितरं दृष्ट्वा मोहयामास मायया ।
संमोह्य तु ततः क्षिप्रं तत्रैवान्तरधीयत ॥ १.१०७.३० ॥
Seeing his father, he bewildered him by illusion, and having bewildered him, he swiftly vanished right there.
1.107.31
तदद्बुतं ततो दृष्ट्वा तत्र राजा स शान्तनुः ।
सङ्कमानः सुतं गङ्गामब्रवीद्दर्शयेति ह ॥ १.१०७.३१ ॥
Then, seeing that marvel there, King Śantanu, approaching Gaṅgā, said: "Show me my son."
1.107.32
दर्शयामास तं गङ्गा बिभ्रती रूपमुत्तमम् ।
गृहीत्वा दक्षिणे पाणौ तं कुमारमलङ्कृतम् ॥ १.१०७.३२ ॥
Gaṅgā showed him, bearing a supreme form, holding by the right hand that adorned youth.
1.107.33
अलङ्कृतामाभरणैर्विरजोम्बरधारिणीम् ।
दृष्टपूर्वामपि स तां नाभ्यजानात्स शान्तनुः ॥ १.१०७.३३ ॥
Though he had seen her before, King Śantanu did not recognize her, adorned with ornaments and wearing spotless garments.
1.107.34
यं पुत्रमष्टमं राजंस्त्वं पुरा मय्यविन्दथाः ।
स चायं पुरुषव्याघ्र सर्वास्त्रविदनुत्तमः ॥ १.१०७.३४ ॥
O king, this is the eighth son you once begot in me — best of men, knower of all weapons, unsurpassed.
1.107.35
गृहाणेमं महाराज मया संवर्धितं सुतम् ।
आदाय पुरुषव्याघ्र नयस्वैनं गृहं विभो ॥ १.१०७.३५ ॥
Take this son, O great king, whom I have raised. Bearing him away, best of men, O mighty one, lead him home.
1.107.36
वेदानधिजगे साङ्गान्वसिष्ठादेष वीर्यवान् ।
कृतास्त्रः परमेष्वासो देवराजसमो युधि ॥ १.१०७.३६ ॥
He studied the Vedas with their limbs under Vasiṣṭha; mighty, trained in weapons, a supreme archer, in battle equal to Indra, king of the gods.
1.107.37
सुराणां संमतो नित्यमसुराणां च भारत ।
उशा वेद यच्छास्त्रमयं तद्वेद सर्वशः ॥ १.१०७.३७ ॥
O descendant of Bharata, Uśanas, always honored by gods and asuras, knew that science; this one knows it entirely.
1.107.38
तथैवाङ्गिरसः पुत्रः सुरसुरनमस्कृतः ।
यद्वेद शास्त्रं तच्चापि कृत्स्नमस्मिन्प्रतिष्ठितम् ॥ १.१०७.३८ ॥
Likewise the son of Aṅgiras, revered by gods and asuras, knew that science; the entire science is established in him.
1.107.39
तव पुत्रे महाबाहौ साङ्गोपाङ्गं महात्मनि ।
ऋषिः परैरनाधृष्यो जामदग्न्यः प्रतापवान् ॥ १.१०७.३९ ॥
In your mighty-armed, great-souled son, with all its limbs and sub-limbs, is that learning; the sage, the son of Jamadagni, unassailable by others and glorious.
1.107.40
यदस्त्रं वेद राभश्च तदेतस्मिन्प्रतिष्ठितम् ।
महेष्वासमिमं राजन्राजधर्मार्थकोविदम् ॥ १.१०७.४० ॥
The weapon-science that Rāma knows is established in him. O king, this great archer is expert in the duties and wealth of kings.
1.107.41
मया दत्तं निजं पुत्रं वीरं वीर गृहं नय ।
इत्युक्त्वा सा महाभागा तत्रैवान्तरधीयत।
तयैवं समनुज्ञातः पुत्रमादाय शान्तनुः ॥ १.१०७.४१ ॥
'Take home this hero, my own son, whom I have given, O hero.' Having said this, that greatly fortunate one vanished right there. Thus permitted by her, Śāntanu took up his son and ...
1.107.42
भ्राजमानं यथाऽदित्यमाययौ स्वपुरं प्रति ।
पौरवस्तु पुरीं गत्वा पुरन्दरपुरोपमाम् ॥ १.१०७.४२ ॥
Shining like the sun, he went with him toward his own city. The Paurava king, having reached the city like Indra's city, ...
1.107.43
सर्वकामसमृद्धार्थं मेने सोत्मानमात्मना ।
पौरवेषु ततः पुत्रं राज्यार्थमभयप्रदम् ॥ १.१०७.४३ ॥
For the fulfilment of all his desires he thought himself complete. Then, among the Paurava line, a son was born for the kingdom, a giver of fearlessness.
1.107.44
गुणवन्तं महात्मानं यौवराज्येऽभ्यषेचयत् ।
पौरवाञ्शान्तनोः पुत्रः पितरं च महायशाः ॥ १.१०७.४४ ॥
He anointed as crown prince that virtuous, great-souled son. The son of Śantanu, of great fame, became dear to the Pauravas and to his father.
1.107.45
राष्ट्रं च रञ्जयामास वृत्तेन भरतर्षभ ।
स तथा सह पुत्रेण रममाणो महीपतिः ॥ १.१०७.४५ ॥
O bull of the Bharatas, he pleased the realm by his conduct. Thus the king, delighting with his son, went on ruling.
1.107.46
वर्तयामास वर्षाणि चत्वार्यमितविक्रमः ।
स कदाचिद्वनं यातो यमुनामभितो नदीम् ॥ १.१०७.४६ ॥
The one of immeasurable prowess spent four years. Once he went into the forest, along the river Yamunā.
1.107.47
महीपतिरनिर्देश्यमाजिघ्रद्गन्धमुत्तमम् ।
तस्य प्रभवमन्विच्छन्विचचार समन्ततः ॥ १.१०७.४७ ॥
The lord of the earth smelled an indescribable, excellent fragrance. Seeking its source, he wandered on every side.
1.107.48
स ददर्श तदा कन्यां दाशानां देवरूपिणीम् ।
तामपृच्छत्स दृष्ट्वैव कन्यामसितलोचनाम् ॥ १.१०७.४८ ॥
Then he saw a maiden of the Dāśas, divine in form. Seeing that dark-eyed maiden at once, he asked her.
1.107.49
कस्य त्वमसि का चासि किं च भीरु चिकीर्षसि ।
साऽब्रवीद्दाशकन्याऽस्मि धर्मार्थं वाहये तरिम् ॥ १.१०७.४९ ॥
Whose are you, and who are you? Timid one, what do you intend? She replied, 'I am the daughter of a boatman; for the sake of duty I ferry the boat.'
1.107.50
पितुर्नियोगाद्भद्रं ते दाशराज्ञो महात्मनः ।
रूपमाधुर्यगन्धैस्तां संयुक्तां देवरूपिणीम् ॥ १.१०७.५० ॥
By her father's command, may good befall you: she was the daughter of the great-souled fisher-king, endowed with the sweetness of form and fragrance, with a divine form.
1.107.51
समीक्ष्य राजा दाशेयीं कामयामास शान्तनुः ।
स गत्वा पितरं तस्या वरयामास तां तदा ॥ १.१०७.५१ ॥
Having seen the fisher-maiden, King Śantanu desired her. He went to her father and then asked for her hand in marriage.
1.107.52
पर्यपृच्छत्ततस्तस्याः पितरं सोत्मकारणात् ।
स च तं प्रत्युवाचेदं दाशराजो महीपतिम् ॥ १.१०७.५२ ॥
Then, out of eagerness, the king questioned her father, and the fisher-king replied to the lord of the earth as follows.
1.107.53
जातमात्रैव मे देया वराय वरवर्णिनी ।
हृदि कामस्तु मे कश्चित्तं निबोध जनेश्वर ॥ १.१०७.५३ ॥
She is to be given to a suitor, this fair-complexioned daughter of mine, born only just now. But there is a desire in my heart; understand it, O lord of men.
1.107.54
यदीमां धर्मपत्नीं त्वं मत्तः प्रार्थयसेऽनघ ।
सत्यवागसि सत्येन समयं कुरु मे ततः ॥ १.१०७.५४ ॥
If you ask me for her as your lawful wife, O blameless one, and you are truthful, then make me a pledge in truth.
1.107.55
समयेन प्रदद्यां ते कन्यामहमिमां नृप ।
न हि मे त्वत्समः कश्चिद्वरो जातु भविष्यति ॥ १.१०७.५५ ॥
O king, I will give you this maiden on one condition. For me no suitor will ever be your equal.
1.107.56
श्रुत्वा तव वरं दाश व्यवस्येयमहं तव ।
दातव्यं चेत्प्रदास्यामि न त्वदेयं कथंचन ॥ १.१०७.५६ ॥
Having heard your request, O Dāśa, I will decide. If it is something to be given, I will give it; I will by no means give what should not be given to you.
1.107.57
अस्यां जायेत यः पुत्रः स राजा पृथिवीपते ।
त्वदूर्ध्वमभिषेक्तव्यो नान्यः कश्चन पार्थिव ॥ १.१०७.५७ ॥
The son who is born of her, O lord of the earth, he alone shall be king, and after you he shall be anointed, no other whatsoever, O king.
1.107.58
नाकामयत तं दातुं वरं दाशाय शान्तनुः ।
शरीरजेन तीव्रेण दह्यमानोऽपि भारत ॥ १.१०७.५८ ॥
Śantanu did not wish to grant that boon to the fisherman, O Bhārata, though he was burning with fierce pain born of his own body.
1.107.59
स चिन्तयन्नेव तदा दाशकन्यां महीपतिः ।
प्रत्ययाद्धास्तिनपुरं कामोपहतचेतनः ॥ १.१०७.५९ ॥
Then that lord of the earth, brooding only on the fisherman's daughter, his mind struck down by desire, returned to Hāstinapura, drawn by attachment.
1.107.60
ततः कदाचिच्छोचन्तं शान्तनुं ध्यानमास्थितम् ।
पुत्रो देवव्रतोऽभ्येत्य पितरं वाक्यमब्रवीत् ॥ १.१०७.६० ॥
Then one day, as Śantanu sat grieving, absorbed in thought, his son Devavrata approached his father and spoke these words.
1.107.61
सर्वतो भवतः क्षेमं विधेयाः सर्वपार्थिवाः ।
तत्किमर्थमिहाभीक्ष्णं परिशोचसि दुःखितः ॥ १.१०७.६१ ॥
Your welfare is everywhere; all kings are subject to you. Then why, distressed, do you grieve so constantly here?
1.107.62
ध्यायन्निव च मां राजन्नाभिभाषसि किंचन ।
न चाश्वेन विनिर्यासि विवर्णो हरिणः कृशः ॥ १.१०७.६२ ॥
O king, you seem lost in meditation; you speak nothing to me, nor do you ride out on your horse; you have grown pale and thin.
1.107.63
व्याधिमिच्छामि ते ज्ञातुं प्रतिकुर्यां हि तत्र वै ।
स तं काममवाच्यं वै दाशकन्यां प्रतीदृशम् ॥ १.१०७.६३ ॥
I wish to know your illness, and I would surely remedy it. But that desire—such a desire for the fisherman's daughter—is not to be spoken of.
1.107.64
विवर्तुं नाशकत्तस्मै पिता पुत्रस्य शान्तनुः ।
एवमुक्तः स पुत्रेण शान्तनुः प्रत्यभाषत ॥ १.१०७.६४ ॥
Śāntanu, the father, could not turn his son aside from the matter. Thus addressed by his son, Śāntanu replied.
1.107.65
असंशयं ध्यानपरो यथा वत्स तथा शृणु ।
अपत्यं नस्त्वमेवैकः कुले महति भारत ॥ १.१०७.६५ ॥
Without doubt I am absorbed in thought. Listen, dear child: in this great family you are our only offspring, O Bhārata.
1.107.66
शस्त्रनित्यश्च सततं पौरुषे पर्यवस्थितः ।
अनित्यतां च लोकानामनुशोचामि पुत्रक ॥ १.१०७.६६ ॥
You are ever devoted to arms and steadfast in manly effort. Dear son, I grieve over the impermanence of the worlds.
1.107.67
कथंचित्तव गाङ्गेय विपत्तौ नास्ति नः कुलम् ।
असंशयं त्वमेवैकः शतादपि वरः सुतः ॥ १.१०७.६७ ॥
O son of Gaṅgā, in whatever calamity may come, our lineage will not perish through you. Without doubt, you alone are better than a hundred sons.
1.107.68
न चाप्यहं वृथा भूयो दारान्कर्तुमिहोत्सहे ।
संतानस्याविनाशाय कामये भद्रमस्तु ते ॥ १.१०७.६८ ॥
Nor do I, in vain, resolve to take wives again here. For the unbroken continuance of the line I desire that good may befall you.
1.107.69
अनपत्यतैकपुत्रत्वमित्याहुर्धर्मवादिनः ।
चक्षुरेकं च पुत्रश्च अस्ति नास्ति च भारत।
चक्षुर्नाशे तनोर्नाशः पुत्रनाशे कुलक्षयः ॥ १.१०७.६९ ॥
The speakers of dharma say that having only one son is the same as being childless. Bhārata, one eye and one son are as though both existing and not existing. With the loss of the eye the body is lost; with the loss of the son the family is destroyed.
1.107.70
अग्निहोत्रं त्रयी विद्या यज्ञाश्च सहदक्षिणाः ।
सर्वाण्येतान्यपत्यस्य कलां नार्हन्ति षोडशीम् ॥ १.१०७.७० ॥
The fire-offering, the threefold knowledge, and the sacrifices with their fees—all of these together are not worth even the sixteenth part of offspring.
1.107.71
एवमेतन्मनुष्येषु तच्च सर्वं प्रजास्विति ।
यदपत्यं महाप्राज्ञ तत्र मे नास्ति संशयः ॥ १.१०७.७१ ॥
So it is among men, and so it is among all creatures. O greatly wise one, concerning whatever offspring there is, I have no doubt.
1.107.72
अपत्येनानृणो लोके पितॄणां नास्ति संशयः ।
एषा त्रयी पुराणानां देवतानां च शाश्वती ॥ १.१०७.७२ ॥
Through offspring a man is freed from his debt to the ancestors in this world; of this there is no doubt. This threefold teaching is the eternal way of the ancients and of the gods.
1.107.73
अपत्यं कर्म विद्या च त्रीणि ज्योतींषि भारत ॥ १.१०७.७३ ॥
O Bhārata, offspring, ritual action, and knowledge — these are the three lights.
1.107.74
त्वं च शूरः सदाऽमर्षी शस्त्रनित्यश्च भारत ।
नान्यत्र युद्धात्तस्मात्ते निधनं विद्यते क्वचित् ॥ १.१०७.७४ ॥
You are heroic, ever wrathful, and constantly devoted to weapons, O Bhārata. Therefore your death is found nowhere except in battle.
1.107.75
सोऽस्मि संशयमापन्नस्त्वयि शान्ते कथं भवेत् ।
इति ते कारणं तात दुःखस्योक्तमशेषतः ॥ १.१०७.७५ ॥
I have fallen into doubt about how this could be once you are pacified. Thus, dear son, the cause of your sorrow has been told in full.
1.107.76
ततस्तत्कारणं राज्ञो ज्ञात्वा सर्वमशेषतः ।
देवव्रतो महाबुद्धिः प्रज्ञया चान्वचिन्तयत् ॥ १.१०७.७६ ॥
Then, having fully understood the king's cause in all its completeness, Devavrata of great intellect reflected upon it with his wisdom.
1.107.77
अपत्यफलसंयुक्तमेतच्छ्रुत्वा पितुर्वचः ।
सूतं भूयोऽपि संतप्त आह्वयामास वै पितुः ॥ १.१०७.७७ ॥
Having heard this speech of his father, linked to the fruit of offspring, he, distressed, again summoned his father's charioteer.
1.107.78
सूतस्तु कुरुमुख्यस्य उपयातस्तदाज्ञया ।
तमुवाच महाप्राज्ञो भीष्मो वै सारथिं पितुः ॥ १.१०७.७८ ॥
Then the charioteer came at the command of the chief of the Kurus. Bhīṣma, of great wisdom, spoke to his father's charioteer.
1.107.79
त्वं सारथे पितुर्मह्यं सखासि रथधूर्गतः ।
अपि जानासि यदि वै कस्यां भावो नृपस्य तु ॥ १.१०७.७९ ॥
Charioteer, you are my father's friend, long bearing the yoke of his chariot. If you know toward whom the king's heart inclines, tell me.
1.107.80
तदाचक्ष्व भवान्पृष्टः करिष्ये न तदन्यथा ।
दाशकन्या कुरुश्रेष्ठ तत्र भावः पितुर्गतः ॥ १.१०७.८० ॥
Tell it as you have been asked; I shall not do otherwise. O best of the Kurus, my father's mind has gone toward the fisherman's daughter.
1.107.81
वृतः स नरदेवेन तदा वचनमब्रवीत् ।
योऽस्यां पुमान्भवेज्जातः स राजा त्वदनन्तरम् ॥ १.१०७.८१ ॥
When the king asked for her, he spoke these words: "The son born of her shall be king after you."
1.107.82
नाकामयत तं दातुं पिता तव वरं तदा ।
स चापि निश्चयस्तस्य न च दद्यां ततोऽन्यथा ॥ १.१०७.८२ ॥
Your father did not wish to grant that boon at that time, and his own resolve was this: "Otherwise I will not give her."
1.107.83
एतत्ते कथितं वीर कुरुष्व यदनन्तरम् ।
ततः स पितुराज्ञाय मतं सम्यगवेक्ष्य च।
ज्ञात्वा च मानसं पुत्रः प्रययौ यमुनां प्रति ॥ १.१०७.८३ ॥
Hero, this has been told to you; now do what follows. Then the son, having understood his father's opinion fully and known his mind, set out toward the Yamunā.
1.107.84
क्षत्रियैः सह धर्मात्मा पुराणैर्धर्मचारिभिः ।
उच्चैश्श्रवसमागम्य कन्यां वव्रे पितुः स्वयम् ॥ १.१०७.८४ ॥
That righteous-souled son came with the ancient, dharma-observing kshatriyas and himself asked for the maiden on his father's behalf.
1.107.85
तं दाशः प्रतिजग्राह विधिवत्प्रतिपूज्य च ।
अब्रवीच्चैनमासीनं राजसंसदि भारत ॥ १.१०७.८५ ॥
The fisherman received him duly and honored him, and, O Bhārata, spoke to him as he sat in the royal assembly.
1.107.86
राज्यशुल्का प्रदातव्या कन्येयं याचतां वर ।
अपत्यं यद्भवेदस्याः स राजाऽस्तु पितुः परम् ॥ १.१०७.८६ ॥
O best of suitors, this maiden must be given with the kingdom as her bride-price; let the son born to her be king after her father.
1.107.87
त्वमेवात्र महाबाहो शान्तनोर्वंशवर्धनः ।
पुत्रः शस्त्रभृतां श्रेष्ठः किं नु वक्ष्यामि ते वचः ॥ १.१०७.८७ ॥
O mighty-armed one, here you alone are the one who increases the line of Śāntanu, the best son among wielders of weapons; what shall I say to you?
1.107.88
कुमारिकायाः शुल्कार्थं किंचिद्वक्ष्यामि भारत ।
कोहि संबन्धखं श्लाघ्यमीप्सितं यौनमीदृशम्।
अतिक्रामन्न तप्येत साक्षादपि शतक्रतुः ॥ १.१०७.८८ ॥
O Bhārata, I shall say something concerning the bride-price of the maiden: who, even Indra himself, would not grieve upon transgressing such a praiseworthy and desired matrimonial bond?
1.107.89
अपत्यं चैतदार्यस्य यो युष्माकं समो गुणैः ।
यस्य शुक्रात्सत्यवती संभूता वरवर्णिनी ॥ १.१०७.८९ ॥
This offspring belongs to the noble one who is your equal in virtues, from whose seed the fair-complexioned Satyavatī was born.
1.107.90
तेन मे बहुशस्तात पिता ते परिकीर्तितः ।
अर्हः सत्यवतीं वोढुं धर्मज्ञः स नराधिपः ॥ १.१०७.९० ॥
Dear one, through him I have praised your father many times; that lord of men, knower of dharma, is worthy to wed Satyavatī.
1.107.91
इयं सत्यवती देवी पितरं तेऽब्रवीत्तथा ।
अर्थितश्चापिराजर्षिः प्रत्याख्यातः पुरा मया ॥ १.१०७.९१ ॥
Goddess Satyavatī spoke thus to your father: "The royal sage once asked me as well, but I refused him formerly."
1.107.92
कन्यापितृत्वात्किंचित्तु वक्ष्यामि त्वां नराधिप ।
बलवत्सपत्नतामत्र दोषं पश्यामि केवलम् ॥ १.१०७.९२ ॥
Lord of men, as the father of a daughter I will say something to you. Here I see only one fault: the rivalry of a powerful co-wife.
1.107.93
भूयांसं त्वयि पश्यामि तद्दोषमपराजित ।
यस्य हि त्वं सपत्नः स्या गन्धर्वस्यासुरस्य वा ॥ १.१०७.९३ ॥
Unconquered one, I see that fault in you as even greater, for you might become the rival of a gandharva or an asura.
1.107.94
न स जातु चिरं जीवेत्त्वयि क्रुद्धे परन्तप ।
एतावानत्र दोषो हि नान्यः कश्चन पार्थिव ॥ १.१०७.९४ ॥
Tormentor of foes, if you grew angry, he would not live long. O king, this is the only fault here; there is no other.
1.107.95
एतज्जानीहि भद्रं ते दानादाने परन्तप ॥ १.१०७.९५ ॥
Know this, tormentor of foes, and may good befall you: this is what giving and taking is.
1.107.96
एवमुक्तस्तु गाङ्गेयस्तद्युक्तं प्रत्यभाषत ।
शृण्वतां भूमिपालानां पितुरर्थाय भारत ॥ १.१०७.९६ ॥
Thus addressed, Gāṅgeya gave a fitting reply, while the kings listened, O Bhārata, for the sake of his father.
1.107.97
इदं वचनमाधत्स्व नास्ति वक्तास्य मत्समः ।
अन्यो जातो न जनिता न च कश्चन संप्रति ॥ १.१०७.९७ ॥
Heed these words: there is no speaker on this matter equal to me, and no one now born or begetter like me.
1.107.98
एवमेतत्करिष्यामि यथा त्वमनुभाषसे ।
योऽस्यां जनिष्यते पुत्रः स नो राजा भविष्यति ॥ १.१०७.९८ ॥
I shall do exactly as you say: the son born of her shall be our king.
1.107.99
इत्युक्तः पुनरेव स्म तं दाशः प्रत्यभाषत ।
चिकीर्षुर्दुष्करं कर्म राज्यार्थे भरतर्षभ ॥ १.१०७.९९ ॥
Thus addressed, the fisherman again replied to him, desiring to perform a difficult deed for the sake of the kingdom, O bull of the Bharatas.
1.107.100
त्वमेव नाथः संप्राप्तः शान्तनोरमितद्युते ।
कन्यायाश्चैव धर्मात्मन्प्रभुर्दानाय चेश्वरः ॥ १.१०७.१०० ॥
You, son of Śantanu of boundless splendour, have come here as the lord; O righteous one, the power to give this maiden also rests with you alone.
1.107.101
इदं तु वचनं सौम्य कार्यं चैव निबोध मे ।
कौमारिकाणां शीलेन वक्ष्याम्यहमरिन्दम ॥ १.१०७.१०१ ॥
But heed my words, gentle one, and carry them out: I shall speak according to the nature of unwed maidens, O subduer of foes.
1.107.102
यत्त्वया सत्यवत्यर्थे सत्यधर्मपरायण ।
राजमध्ये प्रतिज्ञातमनुरूपं तवैव तत् ॥ १.१०७.१०२ ॥
The vow you made before the kings, O steadfast in truth and dharma, for Satyavatī's sake, is fitting for you alone.
1.107.103
नान्यथा तन्महाबाहो संशयोऽत्र न कश्चन ।
तवापत्यं भवेद्यत्तु तत्र नः संशयो महान् ॥ १.१०७.१०३ ॥
O mighty-armed one, there is no doubt that it will be otherwise. But if you have offspring, we have great doubt about that.
1.107.104
तस्यैतन्मतमाज्ञाय सत्यधर्मपरायणः ।
प्रत्यजानात्तदा राजन्पितुः प्रियचिकीर्षया ॥ १.१०७.१०४ ॥
Knowing his opinion, he, intent on truth and duty, then made a vow, O king, out of desire to please his father.
1.107.105
उच्चैश्श्रवः समाधत्स्व प्रतिज्ञां जनसंसदि ।
ऋषयो वाथ वा देवा भूतान्यन्तर्हितानि च ॥ १.१०७.१०५ ॥
O Uccaiḥśravas, hold fast this vow in the assembly of people. Whether sages, or gods, or beings hidden from sight—
1.107.106
यानि यानीह शृण्वन्तु नास्ति वक्तास्य मत्समः ।
दाशराज निबोधेदं वचनं मे नृपोत्तम ॥ १.१०७.१०६ ॥
Let all who are here listen; there is no speaker equal to me in this. O king of the Dāśas, best of kings, understand these words of mine.
1.107.107
शृण्वतां भूमिपालानां यद्ब्रवीमि पितुः कृते ।
राज्यं तावत्पूर्वमेव मया त्यक्तं नराधिपाः ॥ १.१०७.१०७ ॥
Kings who are listening, what I say for my father's sake is this: I have already given up the kingdom earlier. O lords of men.
1.107.108
अपत्यहेतोरपि च करिष्येऽद्य विनिश्चयम् ।
अद्यप्रभृति मे दाश ब्रह्मचर्यं भविष्यति ॥ १.१०७.१०८ ॥
For the sake of offspring too, I will now make a firm resolve. O Dāśa, from this day forward my life will be one of celibacy.
1.107.109
अपुत्रस्यापि मे लोका भविष्यन्त्यक्षया दिवि ।
न हि जन्मप्रभृत्युक्तं मया किंचिदिहानृतम् ॥ १.१०७.१०९ ॥
Even though I have no son, my worlds in heaven will be imperishable. From birth onward I have spoken no falsehood here.
1.107.110
यावत्प्राणा ध्रियन्ते वै मम देहं समाश्रिताः ।
तावन्न जनयिष्यामि पित्रे कन्यां प्रयच्छ मे ॥ १.१०७.११० ॥
As long as the breaths of life remain in my body, I shall not beget offspring. Give me a maiden for my father.
1.107.111
परित्यजाम्यहं राज्यं मैथुनं चापि सर्वशः ।
ऊर्ध्वरेता भविष्यामि दाश सत्यं ब्रवीमि ते ॥ १.१०७.१११ ॥
I renounce both the kingdom and sexual union entirely. O fisherman, I shall be one whose seed is raised upward. This is the truth I tell you.
1.107.112
तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा संप्रहृष्टतनूरुहः ।
ददानीत्येव तं दाशो धर्मात्मा प्रत्यभाषत ॥ १.१०७.११२ ॥
Having heard those words of his, the righteous fisherman, his hair standing on end with joy, answered him, "I shall give her."
1.107.113
ततोन्तरिक्षेऽप्सरसो देवाः सर्षिगणास्तदा ।
तद्दृष्टा दुष्करं कर्म प्रशशंसुश्च पार्थिवाः ॥ १.१०७.११३ ॥
Then in the sky the celestial nymphs, the gods along with groups of sages, having seen that difficult deed, and the kings too, praised it.
1.107.114
अभ्यवर्षन्त कुसुमैर्भीष्मोऽयमिति चाब्रुवन् ।
ततः स पितुरर्थाय तामुवाच यशस्विनीम् ॥ १.१०७.११४ ॥
Showering flowers, they said, "This is Bhīṣma." Then, for the sake of his father, he spoke to that famous woman.
1.107.115
अधिरोह रथं मातर्गच्छावः स्वगृहानिति ।
एवमुक्त्वा तु भीष्मस्तां रथमारोप्य भामिनीं ॥ १.१०७.११५ ॥
"Mother, mount the chariot; let us go to our own home." Having said this, Bhīṣma lifted that radiant lady onto the chariot.
1.107.116
आगम्य हास्तिनपुरं शान्तनोः संन्यवेदयत् ।
तस्य तद्दुष्करं कर्म प्रशशंसुर्नाराधिपाः ॥ १.१०७.११६ ॥
Arriving at Hāstinapura, he reported everything to Śantanu. The lords of men praised his difficult deed.
1.107.117
समेताश्च पृथक्चैव भीष्मोयमिति चाब्रुवन् ।
तच्छ्रुत्वा दुष्करं कर्म कृतं भीष्मेण शान्तनुः ॥ १.१०७.११७ ॥
Gathered together and separately, they all said, "This is Bhīṣma." Hearing that Bhīṣma had performed this difficult deed, King Śantanu—
1.107.118
बभूव दुःखितो राजा चिररात्राय भारत ।
स तेन कर्मणा सूनोः प्रीतस्तस्मै वरं ददौ ॥ १.१०७.११८ ॥
King Śantanu, O Bhārata, was grieved for a long time. Then, pleased with his son's deed, he granted him a boon.
1.107.119
स्वच्छन्दमरणं तुष्टो ददौ तस्मै महात्मने ।
न ते मृत्युः प्रभविता यावज्जीवितुमिच्छसि ॥ १.१०७.११९ ॥
Pleased, he granted that great-souled one the boon of death at will: "Death shall have no power over you as long as you desire to live."
1.107.120
त्वत्तो ह्यनुज्ञां संप्राप्य मृत्युः प्रभविताऽनघ ॥ १.१०७.१२० ॥
"O sinless one, death will have power over you only after receiving your permission."