Khusibharata I

Devabrata, crown prince of Hastinapura ascends the throne after the death of his father, Santanu. He has made a promise to his stepmother Satyavati never to have children so that her children and grandchildren can become the rulers of Hastinapura after him. The Gods have named him Bhishma because of the vow and his stepmother has given him the boon of 'dying only when he wants' because she is so pleased with him!

Bhisma is a great and valiant ruler. The crown prince is chitrangada , eldest son of santanu and satyavati. Hastinapura prospers! Unfortunately chittrangada is killed in a skirmish with the neighbouring states...Bhisma immediately declares his younger half-brother vichitravirya, as the crown prince of hastinapura!

Vichitravirya grows up and Bhisma goes to the swayamvara of the three princesses of Kashi, to get them as brides for his brother. The two younger princesses, ambika and ambalika are quite happy to marry vichitravirya but the eldest princess, amba declares that she is in love with King Shalya.

Bhisma and Queen mother Satyavati, sends Amba with escorts and presents for her wedding to Shalya. Unfortunately Shalya rejects her as she has been 'touched by another man' ie lifted into Bhisma's chariot! So much for gallantry!

Anyway, Ambika and Ambalika are married to Crown Prince Vichitravirya...and Amba returns to Hastinapura in high dudgeon...she demands that King Bhisma marries her or else...

The king is in a dilemma.  He gently reminds the princess of his vow never to have children.Amba retorts that she does not want children but she wants to be Bhisma's wife. That will teach Shalya a lesson for humiliating her ...

The goddess Ganga, Bhisma's mother and Queen mother Satyavati urge Bhisma to marry Amba, as she has agreed to honour his pledge.The king agrees.

There is great rejoicing in the kingdom as Bhisma marries Amba.Hastinapura has a new queen - Queen Amba. The people are happy.