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Kuvalashva

Dhundhumara

The Ikshvaku king who killed the demon Dhundhu and earned the name Dhundhumara.

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
Brihadashva (Vrihadaswa)
Children
Dridashva

Introduction

Kuvalashva is a king of the Ikshvaku dynasty, known as Dhundhumara, "the slayer of Dhundhu". Ancient lists of the Ikshvaku kings differ in names and order, so his exact place in the line varies by text.

Family

The demon Dhundhu

At the request of the sage Uttanka, Kuvalashva went with his sons to the desert where the demon Dhundhu slept beneath the sand. When they dug it up, Dhundhu's breath killed all but three of the sons. Kuvalashva killed the demon.

Sources

  1. Valmiki Ramayana, Balakanda (primary text) — https://www.valmikiramayan.net/
  2. Mahabharata, Vana Parva (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.