Bhishma

O best of the Bharatas, Arjuna, angered, cut that śakti into five parts with five arrows—though it had been propelled by the strength of Bhīṣma’s arms.

Then Devavrata, accompanied by elder kṣatriyas, went to the Dāśa chief and personally sought the maiden on behalf of his father.

Then Śāṃtanava Bhīṣma, of righteous disposition, having bowed to the Pāṇḍavas and the Kurus standing before him, addressed them.

Bhīṣma said: O Brahmin, what was done by Brahmā in sending (someone) to the city of Vārāṇasī? And what deed was performed by Janārdana (Viṣṇu), and by Śaṅkara (Śiva), O sage?

That which Brahmā formerly spoke to the great-souled Pulastya—Pulastya, in turn, then declared it to Bhīṣma at Gaṅgādvāra (Haridvāra).

Devavrata (Bhīṣma)—of great wisdom, devoted to the yoga of meditation—was a refuge of all the śāstras, self-controlled in his senses and free from impurity.

Sūta said: In that sacred region, O best of the twice-born, the Sun-god was duly installed by Bhīṣma himself, with the approval of the foremost Brāhmaṇas and with full inner resolve.

“Through knowledge, liberation is attained—this is the truth as spoken by me. This very teaching, O king, will be (heard again) from Bhīṣma, the son of Śāntanu.”

Then all the Kauravas—Bhīṣma, Droṇa, and the rest—swiftly set out from Nāgapura toward the city of Dvāravatī.

'His (Shantanu's) first son was Gangeya (Bhishma), a great hero of superior strength. Similarly, those two highly powerful sons were born to Satyavati.'

'King Shantanu had attained heaven, and my mother became a widow. The chaste lady, along with her two sons, was protected by Bhishma.'

For four years, the king experienced great happiness enjoying time with his son (Devavrata), just as Lord Shiva rejoices with his son Kumara (Kartikeya).