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Khatvanga

An Ikshvaku king who helped the gods and attained liberation in a single moment.

Accounts of this vary across texts and traditions. This entry primarily follows Puranic tradition, with other tellings (Valmiki Ramayana (Bala Kanda genealogy), Kalidasa's Raghuvamsha) noted where relevant.

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Relationships

Parents
Bhagiratha
Children
Dilipa II

Introduction

Khatvanga is a king of the Ikshvaku dynasty of Ayodhya. In some lists he is also called Dilipa. Ancient lists of the Ikshvaku kings differ in names and order, so his exact place in the line varies by text.

Family

The gods' friend

The Bhagavata Purana says that Khatvanga fought for the gods against the demons. When the gods offered him a boon, he asked how long he had to live and was told he had a single moment left. He gave up all attachment and attained liberation.

Sources

  1. Bhagavata Purana (primary text)

This entry is independently written for myVamsam using the sources listed above. Where traditions differ, this entry identifies the relevant tradition rather than presenting one account as universally established fact.