myVamsam Wiki

Samvarana

The king who won Tapati, the daughter of the sun god, and became the father of Kuru.

Accounts of this vary across texts and traditions. This entry primarily follows Mahabharata, with other tellings (Puranic traditions (Harivamsha, Bhagavata Purana), Regional retellings) noted where relevant.

Explore in the family tree →

Relationships

Parents
Riksha
Spouse
Tapati
Children
Kuru

Introduction

Samvarana is a king of the lunar dynasty, the husband of Tapati and the father of Kuru, who gave his name to the Kuru dynasty.

This article primarily follows the Mahabharata. Where a well-known detail comes from a Puranic or later source, the article identifies it.

Family

Tapati

According to the Adi Parva, Samvarana saw the beautiful Tapati while hunting and fell in love with her. Tapati was the daughter of Surya, the sun god, and could only be won with his consent. With the help of the sage Vasishtha, Samvarana obtained Surya's permission, and they were married.

Loss and recovery of the kingdom

While Samvarana was living in the forest with Tapati, his kingdom suffered a long drought and was taken over by the Panchalas. Vasishtha's help enabled him to return and regain it.

Sources

  1. Mahabharata, Adi Parva (primary text) — https://sacred-texts.com/hin/maha/index.htm

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.