The story of Queen Satyavati, who was known as Matsyagandha,
is found in the Adi Parva of the Mahabharata.
Satyavati was born from the womb of a fish. She was found by
the chief of a fisher folk and he raised her.
She was named Satyavati but people loving called her
Matsyagandha – as she reeked of fish. The reason she was born in the womb of a
fish.
When she grew up, to make a living, Satyavati ferried people
across the Ganga River.
One day, when she was ferrying Sage Parasara across the
river, he expressed his desire to make love to her.
Satyavati was hesitant but the Sage convinced her that she
will give birth to a child instantly and she will retain her virginity. In
addition to it, she will no longer reek of fish but will exude a wonderful fragrance,
which will make men find her irresistible.
The Sage then created a curtain of mist and made love to
her. Before they reached the shore, Satyavati gave birth to Vyasa, she retained
her virginity and got a wonderful fragrant body.
King Shantanu of Hastinapur got attracted to the wonderful
fragrance and married her.