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Mandhata

A great Ikshvaku emperor who conquered the earth, killed by Lavana in the Uttara Kanda.

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
Yuvanashva II
Children
Purukutsa

Introduction

Mandhata is a legendary emperor of the Ikshvaku dynasty, who is said to have ruled the whole earth. Ancient lists of the Ikshvaku kings differ in names and order, so his exact place in the line varies by text.

Family

Birth

According to the Puranas, he was born from the side of his father Yuvanashva, and Indra let the baby suckle on his finger, which is why he is called Mandhata.

Death

In the Uttara Kanda, Mandhata was killed by the Rakshasa Lavana. Shatrughna later killed Lavana.

Sources

  1. Valmiki Ramayana, Balakanda (primary text) — https://www.valmikiramayan.net/
  2. Vishnu Purana (primary text)
  3. Valmiki Ramayana, Uttarakanda (primary text) — https://www.valmikiramayan.net/

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.