In the Ikshvaku dynasty, a brave man was born whose stories of bravery and valor are immortal even today. He was the ancestor of Lord Shri Ram and was so mighty that he conquered all three worlds in a single day.
He defeated Ravana in the battlefield and showed courage to challenge even Devraj Indra. But, to save his power, Indra killed him by deceit. The name of this great warrior was Mandhata. Let us know important things related to his life.
Mandhata was born from Yuvanashva
The story of Mandhata is described in Mahabharata, Bhagwat Purana and Valmiki Ramayana. His birth story is very amazing. He was born from the womb of his father, King Yuvanashwa of Ikshvaku dynasty, instead of his mother. Yuvanashva was a religious and mighty king. He performed thousands of Ashvamedha Yagyas, gave donations to Brahmins and got many great Yagyas performed. But the happiness of children was far away from them. When he did not get a child even after doing many penances and fasts, he surrendered himself to the ministers of state and took the path of penance in the forest.
Siddha Water Consumption and Amazing Phenomena
Knowing about Yuvanashva’s desire to have children, Maharishi Chyavan had prepared Siddha water in an urn, which the queen was to drink. But one day in the forest, Yuvanashwa, distraught with thirst, drank the same water. Maharishi told that now destiny has changed – this child will be born from her womb itself.
Hundreds of years later, a brilliant child was born from Yuvanashva’s left womb. The gods saw him and Indra placed his finger in his mouth and said, “Mam ayam dhaata” meaning “This one will drink only from me.” That’s why it got its name Mandhata. At the time of birth he was blessed with extraordinary brilliance and strength. He got knowledge of archery, divine weapons and Vedas. He was equipped with impenetrable armour, Ajagava bow and special arrows.
lord of the three worlds
King Mandhata established his invincible empire on earth. Despite having all the gems, wealth and power, he remained devout. His main duties were charity, yagya and protection of the people. His influence was so widespread that he even captured half of Indra’s throne. Once when there was no rain for 12 years, Mandhata forced the clouds to rain with his tenacity and strength.
war with Ravana
According to Ramayana, Mandhata once single-handedly defeated Ravana’s huge army. Ravana fired Raudastra, Gandharvastra and finally Pashupatastra at him, but Mandhata faced him with his divine weapons. The war became so fierce that sage Galav and Pulastya had to come and stop the war.
Indra’s move and martyrdom
When Mandhata brought the entire earth under his control, his next target was Devlok. Indra was worried after knowing this. He deceitfully said, “First establish your complete power on earth, then move towards heaven.” Indra told them that Lavanasur, son of Madhu Daitya, does not obey his orders. Mandhata immediately set out for war.
Lavanasura had Shiva’s infallible prong. Mandhata injured him in the battle, but ultimately Lavanasura used Amogha Shula, which destroyed Mandhata and his army. In this way, Indra succeeded in saving his power, but the story of Mandhata’s bravery became immortal.
(Disclaimer: The information given here is based on general beliefs and information. NEWS HIMACHALI does not confirm this.)