Vichitravirya was the son of King
Santanu, born to his second wife
Satyavati.
Chitrangada was his elder sibling and
Bhishma, his elder step brother. Vichitravirya ruled Hastinapuri after his brother Chitrangada, who was killed by a
gandharva of the same name. Since he was young at that time, Bhishma looked after the administrative matters of the kingdom. When Vichitravirya grew up he was married to Ambika and Ambalika, the daughters of the Kashi king, who were whisked off by Bhishma during their
swayamvara. Later Vichitravirya died childless.
