Bhishma sent Amba with all honour to Salva, since she had chosen him as her husband. But Salva said that he had been defeated by Bhishma in the contest for Amba’s hand. So, he refused to marry Amba. Hurt and angry, Amba went to Bhishma, who asked Vichitravirya to marry her. But he refused because she loved Salva already. Then she asked Bhishma to marry her. He could not do so because of his vow. She prayed to Lord Karttikeya who gave her an ever-fresh garland. Whoever wore it would be Bhishma’s deadliest enemy. No one wanted to help her because everyone feared the powerful Bhishma. So, she hung the garland on the gate of King Drupada’s palace. She performed great penance till Lord Shiva granted her a boon: in her next life she would kill Bhishma. Amba gave up her body. She was reborn as Drupada’s child Shikhandin who would slay Bhishma.
Amba’s Vow
