A sage-king in Hindu
mythology who is known for his virtue and commitment to his word.
The gods hear about Shibi's reputation and decide to put it
to the test.
The righteousness-personified deity Dharma (or, in other
variants, the god Agni) assumes the shape of a dove and is pursued by the god
Indra, who appears as a hawk.
The dove flies onto Shibi's lap and begs for refuge, which
he accepts.
The hawk comments that Shibi should not deprive him of the
nourishment he need, and requests an equivalent weight of flesh cut from
Shibi's body in recompense.
Shibi agrees, but the dove is still heavier, no matter how
much of his flesh he puts into the mix.
Shibi finally sits his whole body on the balance, indicating
that he would give his life for the dove.
The gods revert to their divine forms at this time and bless
Shibi for his perseverance.
The reincarnation of the maiden Amba, daughter of the king
of Kashi, in the Mahabharata, the later of the two major Hindu epics.
Bhishma kidnaps Amba and her sisters to marry his nephew
Vichitravirya, but when Amba tells Bhishma that her heart already belongs to
King Salva, Bhishma gladly releases her.
Salva, on the other hand, refuses to marry her since he is
unsure of her virginity because she has been kidnapped.
Amba then returns to Bhishma, who declines to marry her due
to his promise to remain a bachelor for the rest of his life.
In her rage, Amba resolves to avenge Bhishma and engages in
severe physical austerity (tapas) to summon the necessary spiritual abilities.
Her penance eventually pleases the deity Shiva, who assures
her that she will be rewarded in her future incarnation.
Amba then builds a pyre and sets it on fire, burning herself
to death.
