When a curse gave the greatest warrior of all times – Bhishma

It is often heard and reminisced that whatever happens is all for good. This statement is not only to accept destiny in a strong way, but also to look for a ray of hope even in the worst times one faces. But for some legends, sometimes the bad incidents which happen to them turn out to be the best ever happenings in the annals of time, and a person who aptly fits this notion is the legendary warrior of Mahabharat, Bhishma. Bhishma’s birth was not a regular happening, but due to a curse.

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Bhishma was one of the Astavasoos who were the sons of Manu Prajapati. They were the attendants of Bhagwan Vishnu and resided in the Indralok. Once they saw the divine Gomata Nandini in Rishi Vashisht’s Ashram whose milk was considered as most healthy and divine for a disease free life. Out of greed the youngest one instigates the others to steal it. In the absence of Rishi Vashishth, they steal the cow and make their way to heaven.
Rishi Vasishth on returning back comes to know that Nandini has been stolen comes to know that the Astavasoos were behind it. In anger, he curses them all to be born as humans on Earth. When the Vasoos ask for forgiveness, Rishi Vasishth calms down and says that the sooner death approaches them, the faster they would be freed from the curse. However, he says that the youngest Vasu would have to lead a long life on earth for instigating the idea to all.

Keeping in mind the condition of Rishi Vasishth, the Astavasus approach River Ganga and seek permission to be born as her children. They request her to throw them into the river as soon as they were born so that they would be free from the curse. Ganga agrees. Time passes and Maharaj Shantanu of Hastinapur marries Ganga, on a condition put by her that Shantanu would not question any of her actions after marriage, lest she would leave him. Madly in love with her, Maharaj Shantanu agrees.

Sometime later, Ganga delivers a baby boy. While Maharaj Shantanu is happy as he has got an heir for his kingdom, but is shocked when he sees throwing the infant into the river, thus freeing the first Vasu from the curse. Although it was painful as a mother to do so, she does it because of her promise to the Astavasus. Maharaj Shantanu laments, but abiding to his promise he doesn’t question her. In the same way, Ganga frees the rest of the six vasus too from their curse.

The eighth child was born and as usual Ganga made her way to the water. Unable to bear her deeds of throwing his sons into the river, Maharaj Shantanu stops her from doing so and saves the eighth child. Ganga says that the time has come for her to leave him as he has broken his promise and mentions the reason behind her strange behaviour. The youngest of the Asatvasus according to Rishi Vashisht’s prophecy went on to live a long life who was none other than Bhishma, the great. Bhishma went on to become a great warrior, a humble son and a dedicated person who spent all his life abiding the protection to the throne of Hastinapur with his great sacrifice and dedication. The curse gave our land an unsurpassed warrior of all times and who is still remembered with great respect for truth, bravery, courage and sacrifice.