Home » Famous Kings

Famous Kings

There were many great kings in Hindu mythology and they performed unsurpassed feats. Most kings were from the two main royal lineages: Chandravansha and Suryavansha.

Parshuram massacres the Kshatriyas

The Eternal Bhargava-Haihaya Enmity Part 1: Ekavira

During the times of ancient lore, Bharatvarsha was home to dozens of kingdoms and tribes. Just like any land, these kingdoms constantly fought for supremacy. Throughout the Puranas and Itihasa, we saw great kingdoms rise and fall. The Rigveda mentions the epic “Battle of Ten Kings”. The Mahabharata ends with the Kurukshetra War, the deadliest …

The Eternal Bhargava-Haihaya Enmity Part 1: Ekavira Read More »

Anshuman

Previous Read: Sagara Anshuman was a famous king from the Suryavansha dynasty. He ruled Kosala kingdom and had his capital as Ayodhya. He was the son of Asamanjas and the grandson of the renowned King Sagara. Family Father: Asamanjas Son: Dilipa I Background and Birth King Sagara married Keshini and Sumati. Keshini gave birth to …

Anshuman Read More »

Nahusha

Nahusha was a famous king of the Chandravansha. He was the son of Emperor Ayu. At one point, he had even become the Indra. In the end, he was cursed to become a snake by Agastya rishi. Family Father: Ayu Mother: Indumati Brothers: Kshatravriddha, Raji, Rabha, Anena Wife: Ashoksundari Sons: Yati, Yayati, Samyati, Ayati, Viyati, …

Nahusha Read More »

Ram-headed Daksha being blessed by Lord Shiva with Shivaganas in the background

Daksha

Daksha was a mind-born son of Brahma and a king. He had many daughters with his wife Prasuti, including Sati. At his yagna, he was decapitated by Virabhadra but then revived by Shiva. Later, Daksha was reborn in Chakshusha Manvantara (if you don’t know what a Manvantara is, visit Time in Hinduism) as a son …

Daksha Read More »

Uparichara Vasu

Uparichara Vasu was a great king who was a contemporary of King Shantanu from the Mahabharata. He was of Puru lineage, but he conquered the Chedi kingdom. He was the father of Satyavati, along with others. He was very truthful and virtuous. Family Father: Kritaka Wives: Girika, Adrika Sons: Brihadratha, Pratyagraha, Kusamba (also called Manivahana), …

Uparichara Vasu Read More »

Ravana

Ravana was a major character in the Ramayana. He was a great king. It is said that under his rule, even the poorest families in Lanka had gold vessels, meaning there was no poverty or starvation. He was originally called Dasamukha, meaning ten heads, but soon he became known as Ravana. He kidnapped Sita, so he …

Ravana Read More »

Sagara

Sagara was a great king of the Suryavansha. He was an ancestor of Bhagiratha and Rama. Family Father: Bahu Mother: Yadavi Wives: Sumati, Keshini Sons: 60,000 sons, Asamanja Background King Bahu was the king of Kosala, with his capital at Ayodhya. Lead by Talajangha, Kartavirya Arjuna’s grandson, the Haihayas and Talajanghas attacked King Bahu. Talajangha …

Sagara Read More »

Yayati

Yayati was a great king. He was the son of Nahusha (to read about the heroic exploits of Nahusha, visit the link) and one of the first kings of the Chandravansha. His sons started the main lines of Chandravansha, including the Yadava, Kuru, and Anava lines. He ruled from Pratisthana and ruled most of the …

Yayati Read More »