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Madhuchhanda

Madhuchchhandas

The eldest of Vishwamitra's sons who accepted Shunahshepa as his elder brother.

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

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Relationships

Parents
Vishwamitra
Siblings
Shakuntala

Introduction

Madhuchhanda is one of the sons of Vishwamitra. He is known for accepting Shunahshepa as his elder brother, when other brothers refused.

Family

The adoption of Shunahshepa

According to the Aitareya Brahmana, Vishwamitra adopted Shunahshepa and asked his hundred sons to accept him as the eldest. Fifty of them refused and were cursed. Madhuchhanda and the other fifty accepted, and were blessed.

The seer

In the Rigveda, hymns in the first book are attributed to Madhuchhandas Vaishvamitra.

Sources

  1. Aitareya Brahmana (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.