124.1 Sathyavathi requests Vyasa to help
Having received Bishma's concurrence to her suggestion,Satyavati thought of the Muni Dwaipayana and he, who was then engaged in interpreting the Vedas, learning that he was being called up by his mother, came instantly in front of her without anybody's knowing it. Satayavati then duly greeted her son and embraced him , bathing him in her tears, for, the daughter of the fisherman wept bitterly at the sight of her son after so long a time. And her first son, the great Vyasa, seeing her weeping, washed her with cool water, and bowing unto her, said, "I have come, O mother, to fulfil your wishes. Therefore, command me without delay. I shall accomplish your desire." The family priest of the Bharatas then worshipped the great Rishi duly, and the latter accepted the offerings of worship, uttering the usual mantras. And gratified with the worship he received, he took his seat. Satyavati, beholding him seated at his ease, after the usual inquiries, addressed him and said "O learned one, sons derive their birth both from the father and the mother. They are, therefore, the common property of both parents. There cannot be the least doubt about it that the mother, has as much power over them as the father. As you are, indeed, my eldest son according to the rules, so is Vichitravirya my youngest son. And as Bhishma is Vichitravirya's brother on the father's side, so are you his brother on the same mother's side. I do not know what you may think, but this is what, O son, I think. This Bhishma, the son of Santanu, devoted to truth and for the sake upholding his promise, does not entertain the desire of either begetting children or ruling the kingdom. Therefore, from affection for your brother Vichitravirya, for the perpetuation of our dynasty, for the sake of this Bhishma's request and my command, for kindness to all creatures, for the protection of the people and from the liberality of your heart, O sinless one, it is only fit that you do what I say. your younger brother has left two widows, endowed with youth and great beauty. For the sake of dharma and religion, they have become desirous of offspring. You are the fittest person to be appointed. Therefore beget upon them children worthy of our race and for the continuance of our line.'
Vyasa, hearing this, said, 'O Satyavati, you know what virtue is both in respect of this life and the other. Your affections also are set on virtue. Therefore, at your command, making virtue my motive, I shall do what you desire. Indeed, this practice that is conformable to the true and eternal religion is known to me, I shall give unto my brother, children that shall be like unto Mitra and Varuna. Let the ladies then duly observe for one full year the vow I indicate. They shall then be purified. No women shall ever approach me without having observed a rigid vow.'
Satyavati then said, 'O sinless one, it must be as you say. Take such steps that the ladies may conceive immediately. In a kingdom where there is no king, the people perish from want of protection; sacrifices and other holy acts are suspended; the clouds send no showers; and the gods disappear. How can a kingdom be protected that has no king? Therefore, see that the ladies conceive. Bhishma will watch over the children as long as they are in their mother's wombs.
Vyasa replied, 'If I am to give unto my brother children so unseasonably, then let the ladies bear my ugliness. That in itself shall, in their case, be the austerest of penances. If the princess of Kosala can bear my strong odour, my ugly and grim visage, my attire and body, she shall then conceive an excellent child." He continued 'Let the princess of Kosala clad in clean attire and decked with ornaments wait for me in her bedchamber." Saying this, the Rishi disappeared, Satyavati then went to her daughter-in-law and seeing her in private spoke to her 'O princess of Kosala, listen to what I say. It is consistent with dharma. The dynasty of the Bharatas has become extinct from my misfortune. Beholding my affliction and the extinction of his paternal line, the wise Bhishma, impelled
also by the desire of perpetuating our race, has made me a suggestion, which however, for its accomplishment is dependent on you. Accomplish it, O daughter, and restore the lost line of the Bharatas. Bring forth a child equal in splendour unto the chief of the Devas. He shall bear the onerous burden of this our hereditary kingdom." Satyavati having succeeded with great difficulty in procuring the assent of her virtuous daughter-in-law to her proposal which was not inconsistent with virtue, then fed Brahmanas and Rishis and numberless guests who arrived on the occasion.'"
Vyasa, hearing this, said, 'O Satyavati, you know what virtue is both in respect of this life and the other. Your affections also are set on virtue. Therefore, at your command, making virtue my motive, I shall do what you desire. Indeed, this practice that is conformable to the true and eternal religion is known to me, I shall give unto my brother, children that shall be like unto Mitra and Varuna. Let the ladies then duly observe for one full year the vow I indicate. They shall then be purified. No women shall ever approach me without having observed a rigid vow.'
Satyavati then said, 'O sinless one, it must be as you say. Take such steps that the ladies may conceive immediately. In a kingdom where there is no king, the people perish from want of protection; sacrifices and other holy acts are suspended; the clouds send no showers; and the gods disappear. How can a kingdom be protected that has no king? Therefore, see that the ladies conceive. Bhishma will watch over the children as long as they are in their mother's wombs.
Vyasa replied, 'If I am to give unto my brother children so unseasonably, then let the ladies bear my ugliness. That in itself shall, in their case, be the austerest of penances. If the princess of Kosala can bear my strong odour, my ugly and grim visage, my attire and body, she shall then conceive an excellent child." He continued 'Let the princess of Kosala clad in clean attire and decked with ornaments wait for me in her bedchamber." Saying this, the Rishi disappeared, Satyavati then went to her daughter-in-law and seeing her in private spoke to her 'O princess of Kosala, listen to what I say. It is consistent with dharma. The dynasty of the Bharatas has become extinct from my misfortune. Beholding my affliction and the extinction of his paternal line, the wise Bhishma, impelled
also by the desire of perpetuating our race, has made me a suggestion, which however, for its accomplishment is dependent on you. Accomplish it, O daughter, and restore the lost line of the Bharatas. Bring forth a child equal in splendour unto the chief of the Devas. He shall bear the onerous burden of this our hereditary kingdom." Satyavati having succeeded with great difficulty in procuring the assent of her virtuous daughter-in-law to her proposal which was not inconsistent with virtue, then fed Brahmanas and Rishis and numberless guests who arrived on the occasion.'"