M16 - Mahabharata - Vishesha Dharma - An Accepted Norm in that Era

 M16 - Mahabharata - Vishesha Dharma - An Accepted Norm in that Era

Hastinapura faced a cliff moment when Vichitraveerya, the second son of Satyavathi and Shantanu, met an untimely death, leaving no progeny. 

Satyavathi was very much troubled and made a request to Bheeshma to beget progeny for Ambalika and Ambika. She said “Apad dharma is suitable for Kshtriyas. You can consider and make a decision that will bring happiness to pitrus (dead souls)”.

Bheeshma said, “ I do not wish to take kingship or beget children. I am firm in my resolution of remaining a bachelor throughout my life. I had taken a promise in front of your father, as Kanya Shulka (price for getting a bride for my father).

He said the Sun, the Moon, the Sky, the earth can forego their nature traits, but my vow will never fail. I will not break my promise.

Satyavathi says,” I am aware of the firmness with which you follow dharma. You always speak the truth and will not go against your words. Who will take care of the Kingdom after your demise? Is there a way out so that the lineage thread of the Kuru dynasty is not broken? 

Bheeshma said that in the ancient past, there was a custom accepted for Kshtriyas to take the help of Vedic Scholars or revered Sages to beget children. This is no sin attached to it. 

When Sage Jamadagni was killed, Lord Parasurama was angry with Kshatriyas. He decided to wipe out the Kshatriya race by going around the world 21 times. Those who survived his onslaught went into hiding. The spouses of those kings who were yet to beget progeny were in a dilemma. 

According to yuga and apad dharma, and with no other intention of any sort, these women sought the help of tapasvi brahmanas for progeny. It was an accepted norm during that period.

Satyavathi liked this suggestion and felt it was time to reveal the secret birth of her divine son, Sage Vyasa, through Sage Parasara. She told Bheeshma how she met Sage Parasara at Yamuna River and other related events.

With the permission of Bheeshma and other elders, she invited her son, Sage Vyasa. 

As promised, Sage Vyasa, the knower of all, presented himself and asked the purpose of being invited. 

Satyavathi informed him of the death of her sons, Chitrangada and Vichitraveerya, and requested him to bless her daughters-in- law with progeny.

The Sage agreed and put forth his condition that her daughters-in-law should observe penance for a year in order to cleanse their mind or bear with my external appearance and be blessed to get worthy progeny. 

However, Satyavathi declined as the Kingdom needed an heir apparent soon. She requested her daughters-in-law to cooperate for the sake of progeny.

Ambika couldn't bear the outer appearance of the Sage as he was dark in complexion, with long beard and bodily unclean. She closed her eyes and consequently was blessed with a strong but blind son. Satyavathi wasn't happy as a blind person is incapable of ruling the Kingdom. 

When Ambalika met Sage Vyasa, she turned pale on approaching him. Consequently, she was blessed with a male child with skin disorder.  

Again, Satyavathi requested Sage Vyasa to give one more chance, and the Sage reluctantly agreed. This time, Ambika was again asked to meet the Sage. Ambika did not resist but instead sent her maid. The maid gave due respect to the Sage and was blessed with a son with an intellectual bent of mind. 

Sage Vyasa informed his mother about Ambika's act and declined to offer any further help. Thereafter, he disappeared. 

Source: Mahabharatha - Sabha Parva