The ascetic father of Rishyasringa.
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.
Vibhandaka is a sage and the father of Rishyasringa. He raised his son in the forest, without any contact with women.
When Rishyasringa was taken away to Anga, Vibhandaka set out in anger to punish King Romapada. The king's hospitality along the way calmed him, and he accepted the marriage of his son.
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.