AMBA AND BHISHMA

Bhishma's wrath flamed up, He challenged the assembled princes to a trial of their manhood and defeated them all, and taking tile three princesses in his chariot he set out for Hastinapura.

But before he had gone far, Salva, the king of the Saubala country who was attached to Amba, 'intercepted and opposed him, for that princess had mentally chosen Salva as her husband. After a bitter fight Salva was 'worsted, and no wonder, as Bhishma was a peerless bowman, but at therequest of the princesses Bhishma spared his life.

Arriving in Hastinapura with the princesses, Bhishma made preparations for their marriage, to Vichitravirya. When all were assembled for the marriage, Amba smiled inockingly at Bhishma and addressed him as follows: 'O son of Ganga, you are aware of what is enjoined in the scriptures.

I have mentally chosen Salva, the king of Saubala, as my husband. You have brought me here by force. Knowing this, do what you, learned in the scriptures, should do." Bhishma admitted the force of her objection and sent her to Salva with proper escort. The marriage of Ambika and Ambalika, the two younger sisters, with Vichitravirya was duly solemnised.

Amba went rejoicing to Salva and told him what had happened: "I have mentally chosen you as my husband from the very start.Bhishma has sent me to you. Marry me according to the sastras." 

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