In the Mahabharata, Bhishma (Sanskrit: भीष्‍म, IAST: ') also known as Bhishma Pitamaha and Gangaputra Bhishma was well known for his pledge of celibacy. Originally named as 'Devavrata', he was the eighth son of the Kuru King Shantanu and the river goddess Ganga. Bhishma was blessed with a boon from his father that he could choose the time of his death or he may remain immortal till he desires. He was related to both the Pandavas and the Kauravas through his half-brother, Vichitravirya (Son of Satyavati). He was one of the greatest archers and warriors of his time and was trained by Lord Vishnuś sixth avatar Parshurama . He also handed down the Vishnu Sahasranama to Yudhishtira when he was on his bed of arrows after the battle of Kurukshetra.