On one such occasion he was enchanted by a feminine fragrance. He followed it to its source and found Satyavati sitting in her boat. He stepped in and asked Satyavati to row him across the river. When he reached the other bank he asked her to ferry him back. This continued till dusk that day and continued daily for quite some time. Finally Shantanu asked Satyavati to marry him. Satyavati said that she was willing, but would be bound by her father Dashraj’s decision.
Shantanu then went to Dashraj, certain that a common fisherman would never say no to his king. But Dashraj had an objection. Though Satyavati had a humble upbringing, she was the daughter of a great king and hence destined to become a queen. But what was the use of becoming a queen if her child did not rule after his father’s death. “And in your case, O King, your first wife’s son has already been appointed heir. Hence I cannot consent to this match,” said Dashraj.
Shantanu could not even think of disinheriting Devrata, so he went away in dejection. He no longer stepped into Satyavati’s boat but would stand some distance away from the shore and watch his love ferrying pilgrims across the river. He began to neglect his duties towards his kingdom and his son; he began to spend time alone and even his health began to deteriorate. On several occasions Devrata asked him what the matter was, but Shantanu maintained an irritated silence. Then Devrata followed his father to the river and learnt that his father was troubled on account of this beautiful maiden, only a little older than he was. After Shantanu departed, Devrata accosted Satyavati and asked her what the matter was. Satyavati told him that Shantanu wants to marry her but her father has declined to give his consent. She told him of the condition placed before Shantanu, which was the cause of his sorrow.
Devrata then went purposefully to Dashraj’s home. He said that Shantanu would not disinherit him, but he could step down from the post of crown prince. Devrata said that he was here and now renouncing any and all claims to the throne of Hastinapura for all time to come. But Dashraj was unmoved. He acknowledged that Devrata would abide by his word, but the problem was that Devrata’s children could claim the throne from Satyavati’s children. Just as Shantanu could not make a commitment on behalf of his son, how can Devrata commit for his sons?
