Amba Mata Katha – Chapter 1: Amba's Birth and Vow

Amba's Birth and Vow

The saga of the Kuru dynasty is infinite, and in every story, subtle knots of Dharma and Karma are hidden. The valor of Bhishma, son of Shantanu, was spread in all four directions, but destiny was to bring a turning point in his life, which later became an important cause of the Mahabharata war. This is the story of Amba, the daughter of Kashiraj, whose vow shook the foundations of the Kuru dynasty.

Birth of Kashiraj's Daughters

On the banks of the river Ganga, the city of Kashi was known for its grandeur. Its king, Kashiraj, was righteous and a protector of his subjects. For years, he was worried as he had no son. He performed severe penance to Lord Shiva, as a result of which he was blessed with three radiant daughters – Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika. All three princesses were beautiful and virtuous, and their birth brought joy to the kingdom of Kashi. Amba, being the eldest, was closest to her father's heart. She possessed a wonderful blend of courage and intelligence. She often assisted her father in state affairs and tried to understand the problems of her subjects.

Amba thought to herself, "My father grieves for not having a son, can I not protect the kingdom by being his son? Are women only made for marriage and household chores?"

Bhishma's Abduction from the Swayamvara

Kashiraj organized a grand swayamvara for the marriage of his daughters. Princes and kings from far and wide came to participate in that swayamvara. Bhishma, who was renowned for his vow of celibacy, arrived in Kashi to obtain these maidens for his stepbrother Vichitravirya. He defeated all the kings present at the swayamvara and abducted Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika, and began taking them to Hastinapur. Amba protested against Bhishma's act, but no one could stand against his valor.

As Bhishma was taking the princesses to Hastinapur, Amba said to him, "O Grandfather Bhishma, you have abducted us by force. Is this Dharma? Is it the duty of a Kshatriya to insult women and act against their will?" A mixture of anger and despair was in Amba's eyes.

Amba's Vow

Upon reaching Hastinapur, Amba told Bhishma that she loved King Shalva and wished to marry him. Bhishma agreed to Amba's request and sent her to King Shalva. However, King Shalva refused to accept Amba because she had been won by Bhishma. Disappointed and insulted, Amba returned to Bhishma and requested him to marry her. Bhishma, due to his vow of celibacy, rejected Amba's proposal. Amba was filled with rage and considered Bhishma the cause of her insult. She vowed that she would be the cause of Bhishma's death and take revenge for her insult.

A flame burned in Amba's heart. She said, "O Bhishma, you have destroyed my life. You have left me neither at home nor at the ghat. I will never forgive you. I will be the cause of your death in the next life." Amba's vow had laid the foundation for the Kurukshetra war. Now, Amba was determined to take revenge, and the next phase of her penance and efforts would guide her.