Introduction
Trishanku, whose earlier name was Satyavrata, was an Ikshvaku king who wished to go to heaven with his own body. His story is told in the Bala Kanda.
This article primarily follows the Valmiki Ramayana. Where a well-known detail comes from a later retelling or tradition, the article identifies it.
Family
- Father: Anaranya
- Son: Harishchandra
The wish
Trishanku asked Vasishtha to perform a sacrifice that would take him to heaven in his mortal body. Vasishtha refused, as did his sons, who cursed Trishanku to become an outcast.
Vishwamitra
Trishanku went to Vishwamitra, who agreed to help. When the gods pushed Trishanku out of heaven, Vishwamitra held him in the sky and created another heaven around him. Trishanku stays there, hanging upside down. The word "Trishanku" is still used in India for someone who is stuck between two places.