Amba Mata Katha – Chapter 3: Amba's Penance and Rebirth

Amba's Penance and Rebirth

After Bhishma Pitamah's vow and Parashurama's failed intervention, Amba's heart was burning with the fire of revenge. Her insult pricked her every moment, and she was determined to avenge this insult. Defeated by Parashurama, Amba now understood that she could fulfill her desire only through penance. She decided to worship Lord Shiva, as only He could give her the strength to defeat Bhishma.

Amba's Penance in the Forest

Carrying the flame of her revenge in her heart, Amba enters the dense forest. All around are the roars of wild animals and the rustling of trees, but Amba has only one thought in her mind – revenge against Bhishma. She chose a secluded spot and began her rigorous penance. She gave up food, surviving only on water. Whether it was sun or rain, Amba remained steadfastly absorbed in the worship of Lord Shiva. Her skin was burning due to the penance, and her body was weakening, but her spirit was strong.

"O Devaadhidev Mahadev, give me strength! Give me the power to defeat Bhishma! Let my insult not be in vain. I will please you with my devotion and obtain the boon by which I can avenge my insult," Amba repeated this to herself again and again.

Lord Shiva's Boon

Pleased by Amba's rigorous penance, Lord Shiva appears. Seeing Lord Shiva in a radiant form, Amba falls at His feet. Lord Shiva asks her, "O Goddess, what is the reason for your penance? What boon do you desire?" Amba joins her hands and prays, "O Mahadev, I wish to take revenge on Bhishma. Grant me such a boon that I may slay Bhishma in my next life." Lord Shiva thinks for a few moments and then says, "O Goddess, your resolve is unbreakable. You will be born as a woman in your next life, but will attain manhood and slay Bhishma. This is my boon." Receiving the boon, Amba's mind becomes calm. She sees the path to her revenge.

Amba knew that Lord Shiva's boon never goes in vain. A new hope surged in her heart. Although her life was still sorrowful, she was confident that she would surely avenge her insult in her next life. Amba thanked Lord Shiva and bowed at His feet. Lord Shiva disappeared.

Rebirth as Shikhandi

After receiving the boon from Lord Shiva, Amba gave up her body by entering fire. She was reborn as the daughter of King Drupada. She came to be known as Shikhandi. Shikhandi was born as a female, but she was raised like a male. Shikhandi did not know that she was Amba in her previous life, but an unknown anger towards Bhishma always resided in her heart. Her next goal was to become the cause of Bhishma's death in the Mahabharata war.

Shikhandi's birth was the fruit of Amba's revenge. Lord Shiva's boon and Amba's penance had determined the course of the Mahabharata war. This story is proof that with firm resolve and unwavering devotion, even the impossible can be made possible.