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The Roots of War
 Countless are the peculiar twists and turns that Mahabharata takes. We were contemplating the simple question of ‘what would have happened had Devavrata not undertaken that impossible vow that day for the sake of his father?’ (See:
For the sake of his father) That was a crucial moment in the course of the epic. Had he married, the excellent archer and the unparalleled administrator that he was, had children been born to him, the course of the epic would have been something else. His vow was an important turning point in the course of events of
Mahabharata.
It was he who paved the way for the second important turning point in the story, namely, the wedding of his stepbrother, son of Satyavati, Vichitravirya. Vichitravirya was the second son of Shantanu and Satyavati. Their first son was named Chitrangada, who was a great warrior and was challenged by a Gandharva king, also by name Chitrangada, simply because his slighted his pride to see a human being walking around, bearing his name! Chitrangada was killed in that battle, which lasted three years, and his death moves the course of the epic to an extent, in that Vichitravirya would not have been enthroned had he not died simply because he was christened as
Chitrangada!
With the death of the elder brother, Vichitravirya was crowned as the king. Since he was too young at that time, Bhishma looked after the administrative matters on his behalf until such time he grew up into a man. Then, the responsibility of finding a bride for Vichitravirya fell on Bhishma. It was at that time the king of Kashi announced the Swayamvara of his daughters, Amba, Ambika and Ambalika. It was Swayamvara, the selection of bridegrooms by the brides themselves. But Bhishma decided otherwise. He wanted to get at least one daughter of Kashi Raja wedded to his stepbrother, Vichitravirya and went in person, duly securing the permission of
Satyavati.
The presence of this ageing lion of Hastinapur amused the kings who had assembled in the hall. ‘This fellow undertook a vow of celibacy and why would he come here, seeking the hand of these maidens?’ they giggled among themselves, not having the courage to speak those words loudly. Bhishma, however, understood the reason for the mockery that was going on behind his back. Added to this, the brides, while walking past him shrugged and acted as though they were afraid of this old man.
That pricked the pride of Bhishma. He walked like a lion, took all the three princess by force on his chariot, and announced to the gathering: ‘I came here with the intention of securing a bride for my brother. There are eight different kinds of marriages that the Books sanction. The eighth one is the one by which the bride is taken by force, facing adversity. I am now taking all the three brides to Hastinapur by force. I challenge anyone to stop me.’ So saying he sent his horses flying in the direction of Hastinapur. Many kings were afraid of coming in his way.
Salwa Raja however did not relent and he pursued Bhishma, since he had already lost his heart to princess Amba. Amba was in love with him too; but she was afraid of saying anything to this ageing lion that had taken them in one sweep into his chariot and was challenging all the kings. Though driven by the impulse of his love for Amba, king Salwa could not match the swiftness of Bhishma, which was a bit too much for even Parasurama, the terror of
Kshatriyas.
 The three brides were taken to Hastinapur. Ambika and Ambalika had no difficulty in accepting Vichitravirya as their husband. ‘I am in love with King Salwa,’ Amba blabbered hesitantly. ‘We are in love and I had already decided to garland him as my husband.’ Vichitravirya was not prepared to break the heart of this maiden and marry her against her will. She was therefore sent back to seek the hand of King
Salwa.
Little did Bhishma realise that he had seeded his own death, with his own hands, by his own deed, on that day. The events that followed were so painful that Amba vowed to kill herself, or to aid the killing of Bhishma. But even if he was aware of that fact, Bhishma would not have in any way been affected. He was above the fear of death.
What would have happened if Chitrangada did not die? What would have happened if Vichitravirya had gone to the Swayamvara himself? What would have happened if Bhishma was not rubbed on the wrong side and was angered? What would have happened if Amba, having reached the distant country of Hastinapur, accepted Vichitravirya as her husband? Questions!
Hundreds are the whirlpools that laugh silently in the course of the majestic river, Mahabharata. These whirlpools suck the very course of events and change the very shape of the epic, an evergreen masterpiece.
Hari Krishnan
harikrishnan@vsnl.net
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