Epics Mahabharat - Bhisma story for very young kids

Bhisma Story Summary from Mahabharat for young kids by Sudha Jamthe


Bhisma was the son of Shantanu and the river Goddess Ganga. His birth name was Devratta. Ganga leves Santanu when he questions her for killing her seven sons as soon as each is born. She explains that they were Vasus who took birth on earth and wanted to die to return to heaven soon. Then she leaves for heaven herself.

Shantanu wants to marry Satayvati, the daughter of a fisherman when Bhisma was a young man. Her father wants only her kids to become king of Hastinapur.

Bhisma agrees and takes an vow to
(i) to renounce his throne
(ii) not ever marry and have children so they would not contest for the throne later
(iii) be loyal to whoever becomes the king of Hastinapur.

So he gets the name Bhisma, the one who follows a difficult vow.

Bhisma grew to a very old age and was known for his honor and truthfulness.
He supported the Kauravas though they were the bad guys because of his oath to be loyal to the king of Hastinapur till the end.