Amba, the eldest princess of Kashi, became the tragic root of Bhishma’s downfall. Abducted by Bhishma for Vichitravirya’s marriage, she revealed her love for King Salva, but was rejected. Spurned and humiliated, she sought Bhishma’s destruction, but as he had vowed celibacy, she could not wed him either. After intense penance, she was reborn as Shikhandi to fulfill her vow of vengeance. In this form, she became instrumental in Bhishma’s death during the war. Amba’s tale symbolizes injustice against women and destiny’s relentless fulfillment.
