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Amba

The Kashi princess taken by Bhishma, who vowed to destroy him and was reborn as Shikhandi.

Accounts of this vary across texts and traditions. This entry primarily follows Mahabharata, with other tellings (Puranic traditions (Harivamsha, Bhagavata Purana), Regional retellings) noted where relevant.

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Relationships

Parents
Kashiraja
Siblings
Ambalika · Ambika

Traditional identity

Per tradition, not a genealogical relationship.

Incarnations
Shikhandi

Introduction

Amba is the eldest daughter of the king of Kashi and the sister of Ambika and Ambalika. She is the person who swore revenge on Bhishma.

This article primarily follows the Mahabharata. Where a well-known detail comes from a Puranic or later source, the article identifies it.

Family

The abduction

Bhishma took Amba and her sisters from their swayamvara. Amba said she had chosen the king of Shalva. Bhishma sent her back, but Shalva refused to take her.

The vow

Amba asked Bhishma to marry her, but he could not because of his vow. She went to Parashurama, who fought Bhishma, without result. She then did austerities and swore to be the cause of his death. She burned herself and was reborn in Drupada's house as Shikhandini.

Sources

  1. Mahabharata, Udyoga Parva (primary text) — https://sacred-texts.com/hin/maha/index.htm

This entry is independently written for myVamsam using the sources listed above. Where traditions differ, this entry identifies the relevant tradition rather than presenting one account as universally established fact.