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Kushadhwaja

The younger brother of Janaka, king of Sankasya and father of Mandavi and Shrutakirti.

Accounts of this vary across texts and traditions. This entry primarily follows Valmiki Ramayana, with other tellings (Ramcharitmanas (Tulsidas), Regional and folk traditions) noted where relevant.

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Relationships

Parents
Hrasvaroma
Spouse
Wife of Kushadhwaja (unnamed in Valmiki)
Siblings
Seeradwaja Janaka
Children
Mandavi · Shrutakirti

Introduction

Kushadhwaja is the younger brother of King Janaka of Mithila. He ruled the city of Sankasya on the river Ikshumati, and was the father of Mandavi and Shrutakirti.

This article primarily follows the Valmiki Ramayana. Where a well-known detail comes from a later retelling or tradition, the article identifies it.

Family

The wedding

Kushadhwaja came to Mithila for the wedding, and his two daughters were married to Bharata and Shatrughna. He is not the same person as the sage Kushadhwaja, the father of Vedavati.

Sources

  1. Valmiki Ramayana, Balakanda (primary text) — https://www.valmikiramayan.net/
  2. The Ramayana of Valmiki: An Epic of Ancient India (scholarly) — https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691206868/the-ramayana-of-valmiki

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.