The chief priest of King Janaka, son of Gautama and Ahalya.
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.
Shatananda is the priest of King Janaka's court, and the eldest son of the sage Gautama and Ahalya. He appears at Mithila in the Bala Kanda.
When Vishvamitra arrived at Mithila with Rama and Lakshmana, Shatananda told Rama the story of Vishvamitra's life, from his birth as a king to his rise as a Brahmarishi. He was delighted that Rama had freed his mother Ahalya from her curse.
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.