A lot many people know about Vichitrvirya, son of Shantanu and Satyavati, but, very few people know that Vichitravirya was not the only son of the couple. Vichitravirya had an elder brother called Chitrangada. Very less is known about him. (Chitrangada must not be confused with Chitrangadaa the fourth wife of Arjuna)
As according to tradition, Chitrangada became the king of Hastinapur, because Bhishma had taken the vow that he will never be a king. Although, Chitrangada has a tiny role to play in Mahabharata, in some way one can understand that if Chitrangada was not killed the Mahabharata would have happened in a bit different way. The story of Chitrangada is smallest amongst all other least known characters of Mahabharata, but it’s interesting enough.
Chitrangada was a mighty king and well versed in battle techniques. Once he went into the forest for hunting, a Gandharva crossed his way. The name of the Gandharva was same as Chitrangada. The Gandharva says to Chitrangada that, “there cannot be two Chitrangada’s on the earth at the same time, so either you should change your name to fight with me”. Chitrangada invited Gandharva for a war.
Chitrangada and Gandharva with the same name fought with each other for three years outside Hastinapur. The war happened at the banks of River Saraswati. Ultimately after three years, Gandharva emerged as the winner and he killed Chitrangada in the battle. Chitrangada died childlessly, so the throne of Hastinapur went into hands of Vichitravirya.
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