Amba, Ambika, Ambalika!!!

When it comes to will power, no one can beat Bhishma! Thats why its said "Bhishm Prathigyna" when someone strongly makes a vow. Lets read a little story on that.

Amba, Ambika and Ambalika were three sisters who were taken by force by Bhishma to Hastinapura to be married to Vichtraveerya, his brother. Amba however was sent back as she was in love with another king (I guess Salva), who later refused to marry her doubting on her character. Since Bhishma was responsible for the tragedy in Amba's life she swore to kill him. She intensely prayed for Lord Shiva, who granted her this wish, but it was in her next life.

-------

Vichtraveerya was thus the husband of Ambika & Ambalika.  He died at a young age, and there was no heir to this dynasty now. His mother Satyavati pleaded Bhishma to continue their dynasty. But he vowed to remain celibate for his life and so refused her wish. Though fearing she decided approach her elder son Vyasa for this problem.

Vyasa was an old sage with lot of yogic powers. He was wild in appearance and tempered too. When Ambika walked in, she was very frightful and closed her eyes and touched his feet. Thus Dhrithrashtra was born blind. Satyavati aghast by seeing the blind child, instructed Ambalika to be bold and open her eyes. Yet when Ambalika touched his feet to take blessings, she was shivering and pale. Thus Pandu was born, who was pale and sensitive. Satyavati could'nt stand this and sent the house maid. The maid being used to such appearances, prayed boldly and had a son by name Vidura who became the care taker of the royal princes.

--------

Bhishma was a strong opponent in the kurukshetra war.  He would never fight with anyone lower to him or anyone who is unarmed. Krishna and Arjuna were wondering how to kill Bhishma, when they came up with a plot and took the help of a eunuch by name Shikandi. When Bhishma saw Shikandi infront of him, he immediately released all the weapons in his hand. This was the right time for Arjuna to aim an arrow and kill Bhishma.

However Shikandi was none other than Amba who was reborn.

P.S : Bhishma didn't die immediately, Krishna advised him that it was not a good time for him to leave the world now. He is the one man in past and present in Hindu mythology who delayed his death by 56 days and lay on a bed of arrows till then.