Shantanu and Ganga

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King Shantanu and Ganga..

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King Shantanu fell in love with Ganga & proposed her. She agreed on a condition that he would not question her acts., she gave birth to a son, she drowned the child in river. Shantanu could not ask the reason due to his promise, One after other, 7 sons were born to them all were drowned by Ganga. When Ganga was about to drown the eighth son, King Shantanu confronted her. Finally, Ganga explained about a curse given to her, that her children were cursed to be born on earth and drowned, except the 8th child who will live a long life but to never have a wife or children, he would be virtuous, conversant with all the holy scriptures, obedient son to his father.  She added that she will take him to the heavens & send him back at right moment. With these words she disappeared along with the child, while  grief struck Shantanu tried to stop her in vain, tormented with the thought of spending the rest of his life without her...That Child was none other than the great Bhishma..

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Raja Ravi varma Painting