A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1604

c5.1604

SĀNTANU. A king of the Lunar race, son of Pratīpa, father of Bhīshma, and in a way the grandfather of Dhrita-rāshtra and Pāndu. Regarding him it is said, “Every decrepit man whom he touches with his hands becomes young.” (See Mahā-bhārata.) He was called Satya-vāch, ‘truth-speaker,’ and was remarkable for his “devotion and charity, modesty, constancy, and resolution.”