Kalmashapada: Difference between revisions

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→‎top: img
Rescuing 1 sources and tagging 0 as dead.) #IABot (v2.0.9.5) (Whoop whoop pull up - 14430
 
(48 intermediate revisions by 26 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|King in Hindu mythology}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox character
[[File:Vashista stops Kalmashapad.jpg|thumb|Vashishtha stops an attacking Kalmashapada (left), before ending his curse. A scene from the epic ''Mahabharata''.]]
| info-hdr = Information
| image =
| alt =
| caption =
| family = Sudasa (father)
| race = [[Ikshvaku dynasty]]
| spouse = Madayanti
| children = Asmaka (acknowledged son, born by [[Vashistha]])
}}{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}{{good article}}


In [[Hindu mythology]], '''Kalmashapada''' (Kalmasapada, कल्माषपाद), also known as '''Saudasa''' ({{lang|sa|सौदास}}), '''Mitrasaha''' (मित्रसह), '''Amitrasaha''' and '''Kalmashanghri''' (Kalmasanghri), was a king of the [[Ikshvaku dynasty]] (the Solar dynasty), who was cursed to be a ''[[rakshasa]]'' (demon) by the sage [[Vashishtha]].<ref name="Mani377"/> He is described as an ancestor of [[Rama]], the [[avatar]] of the god [[Vishnu]] and the hero of the [[Hindu epic]] ''[[Ramayana]]''. Many texts narrate how Kalmashapada was cursed to die if he had intercourse with his wife, so he obtained a son from Vashishtha by ''[[niyoga]]'', an ancient tradition whereby a husband can nominate another man to impregnate his wife.<ref name="Mani377"/> Kalmashapada's story is narrated in various works including the classic epic poems ''[[Mahabharata]]'' and ''[[Ramayana]]'', and the ''[[Purana]]''s.<ref name="Mani377">Mani, p. 377</ref>
'''Kalmashapada''' ({{Lang-sa|कल्माषपाद|translit=Kalmāṣapāda}}), also known as '''Saudasa''' ({{Lang-sa|सौदास|translit=Saudāsa}}), '''Mitrasaha''' ({{Lang-sa|मित्रसह|translit=Mitrasaha}}), and '''Amitrasaha''' ({{Lang-sa|अमित्रसह|translit=Amitrasaha}}) is a king of the [[Ikshvaku dynasty]] (the Solar dynasty) In [[Hindu mythology|Hindu scriptures]], who was cursed to be a ''[[rakshasa]]'' (demon) by the sage [[Vashishtha]].<ref name="Mani377"/> He is described as an ancestor of [[Rama]], the [[avatar]] of the god [[Vishnu]] and the hero of the [[Hindu epic]] ''[[Ramayana]]''.


Many texts narrate how Kalmashapada was cursed to die if he had intercourse with his queen, so he obtained a son from Vashishtha by ''[[niyoga]]'', an ancient tradition whereby a husband can nominate another man to impregnate his wife.<ref name="Mani377" /> Kalmashapada's story is narrated in various works, including the classic epic poems ''[[Mahabharata]]'' and ''[[Ramayana]]'', and the ''[[Purana]]''s.<ref name="Mani377">Mani, p. 377</ref>
==Background==

⚫
The ''Mahabharata'' and the ''Purana''s agree that Kalmashapada was the son of the king Sudasa (Sudhasana); however, the ''Ramayana'' names his father as [[Raghu]], a king whom the other texts identify as a descendant of Kalmashapada.<ref name=Wilson315>Wilson p. 315</ref> All texts agree that his ancestors include [[Sagara (Vedic king)|Sagara]] and [[Bhagiratha]], though the generations between Bhagiratha and Kalmashapada may vary among the texts.<ref name="bhagavata">[http://vedabase.net/sb/9/9/en2 Bhagavata Purana] by [[Prabhupada]]</ref><ref name=Wilson315/>
==Description==
⚫
The ''Mahabharata'' and the ''Purana''s agree that Kalmashapada was the son of the king Sudasa (Sudhasana); however, the ''Ramayana'' names his father was [[Raghu]], a king whom the other texts identify as a descendant of Kalmashapada.<ref name=Wilson315>Wilson p. 315</ref> All texts agree that his ancestors include [[Sagara (Vedic king)|Sagara]] and [[Bhagiratha]], though the generations between Bhagiratha and Kalmashapada may vary among the texts.<ref name="bhagavata">[http://vedabase.net/sb/9/9/en2 Bhagavata Purana] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103122416/http://vedabase.net/sb/9/9/en2 |date=3 November 2013 }} by [[Prabhupada]]</ref><ref name=Wilson315/> The ''[[Padma Purana]]'' states that he was the son of [[Rituparna]], the contemporary [[Ancestors of Rama|Solar king]] of [[Nala]]-[[Damayanti]] (even a character in their story).<ref>Padma Purana Srishti Khanda (First Canto) Chapter 8. Verse 151-152, English translation by Motilal Bansaridas Publications Book 1 Page 69-70, Link:
https://archive.org/details/PadmaPuranaVol05BhumiAndPatalaKhandaPages15651937ENGMotilalBanarsidass1990_201901</ref><ref>Mahabharata Nalapokhyana Parva, Vana Parva</ref>


Some texts state that Kalmashapada's birth name was Mitrasaha, but he was known by his patronymic Saudasa.<ref>Mani, p. 376</ref> A commentator on the ''[[Vishnu Purana]]'' says that Mitra-saha (literally, "one who forbears a friend") is an epithet the king acquires from the curse of the sage [[Vashishtha]]. The king restrains (''saha'') himself from retaliation against his friend (''mitra'') Vashishtha's curse, though he possesses the power to do so.<ref name=Wilson305>Wilson p. 305</ref> The ''[[Vayu Purana]]'', the ''[[Agni Purana]]'', the ''[[Brahma Purana]]'', and the ''[[Harivamsa]]'' call him ''Amitrasaha'', "one who forbears (''saha'') a foe (''amitra'')"; here, Vashishtha is taken to be an enemy.<ref name=Wilson305/>
Some texts state that Kalmashapada's birth name was Mitrasaha, but he was known by his patronymic Saudasa.<ref>Mani, p. 376</ref> A commentator on the ''[[Vishnu Purana]]'' says that Mitra-saha (literally, "one who forbears a friend") is an epithet the king acquires from the curse of the sage [[Vashishtha]]. The king restrains (''saha'') himself from retaliation against his friend (''mitra'') Vashishtha's curse, though he possesses the power to do so.<ref name=Wilson305>Wilson p. 305</ref> The ''[[Vayu Purana]]'', the ''[[Agni Purana]]'', the ''[[Brahma Purana]]'', and the ''[[Harivamsa]]'' call him ''Amitrasaha'', "one who forbears (''saha'') a foe (''amitra'')"; here, Vashishtha is taken to be an enemy.<ref name=Wilson305/>
Line 11: Line 23:
Kalmashapada was the king of [[Ayodhya]] ([[Kosala]]) and was married to Queen Madayanti.<ref name="Mani377"/> The ''[[Bhagavata Purana]]'' notes that she was also known as Damayanti.<ref name="bhagavata"/>
Kalmashapada was the king of [[Ayodhya]] ([[Kosala]]) and was married to Queen Madayanti.<ref name="Mani377"/> The ''[[Bhagavata Purana]]'' notes that she was also known as Damayanti.<ref name="bhagavata"/>


==The curse==
==Legend==


=== Shakti's curse ===
=== Shakti's curse ===
The ''Mahabharata'' narrates: Once, Kalmashapada was roaming the forest for hunting. He encounters the sage Vashishtha's eldest son Shakti on a narrow path. As a [[kshatriya]] (member of the ruler class), Kalmashapada does not make way for Shakti, a [[brahmin]] (priestly class). Nevertheless, Shakti refuses to budge. Finally, an enraged Kalmashapada hits Shakti with his whip. In turn, the sage curses the king to wander the forest for 16 years. The sage [[Vishwamitra]], the arch-enemy of Vashishtha who desires to have Kalmashapada as his disciple, sends a ''rakshasa'' to possess the king's body. Vishwamitra plots to destroy his enemy's family with the help of the king. Under the influence of the ''rakshasa'', the king serves human flesh to a Brahmin, who sets Shakti's curse into effect. The king turns into a cannibalistic ''rakshasa''.<ref name="Mani377"/><ref name="dowson">[http://www.mythfolklore.net/india/encyclopedia/kalmashapada.htm Dowson's Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology]</ref><ref>Wilson p. 306</ref>
The ''Mahabharata'' narrates that once, Kalmashapada was roaming the forest for hunting. He encounters the sage Vashishtha's eldest son, [[Śakti Maharṣi|Shakti]], on a narrow path. As a [[kshatriya]] (a member of the military class), Kalmashapada does not make way for Shakti, a [[Brahmin]] (a member of the priesthood class). Nevertheless, Shakti refuses to budge. Finally, an enraged Kalmashapada hits Shakti with his whip. In turn, the sage curses the king to wander the forest for 16 years. The sage [[Vishwamitra|Vishvamitra]], the arch-enemy of Vashishtha who desires to have Kalmashapada as his disciple, sends a ''rakshasa'' (named ''Kinkara'') to possess the king's body. Vishvamitra plots to destroy his enemy's family with the help of the king. Under the influence of the ''rakshasa'', the king serves human flesh to a Brahmin, who sets Shakti's curse into effect. The king turns into a cannibalistic ''rakshasa''.<ref name="Mani377"/><ref name="dowson">[http://www.mythfolklore.net/india/encyclopedia/kalmashapada.htm Dowson's Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology]</ref><ref>Wilson p. 306</ref>


=== Vashishtha's curse ===
=== Vashishtha's curse ===
[[File:Vasishtha.jpg|thumb|233x233px|The sage Vashistha is described as having cursed Kalmashapada]]
The ''Uttara Kanda'' of the ''Ramayana'' and the ''[[Shiva Purana]]'' narrate about Vashishtha cursing Kalmashapada with slight variation. The ''Uttara Ramayana'' tells that once, while hunting in the forest, Kalmashapada mistakenly kills a ''rakshasa'' disguised as a tiger cub. His fellow ''rakshasa'' &ndash; who was also disguised as a cub &ndash; assumes his true form and warns the king that he will take his revenge against the wrongful death at the proper time. The ''Shiva Purana'' and the ''Bhagavata Purana'' identify the other ''rakshasa'' as the brother of the slain one, and does not mention the tiger cub disguise.<ref name="bhagavata"/><ref name="Mani377"/> The ''Vishnu Purana'' also notes that the demons appeared in the form of tigers.<ref name="Mani377"/>
The ''Uttara Kanda'' of the ''Ramayana'' and the ''[[Shiva Purana]]'' narrate about Vashishtha cursing Kalmashapada with slight variation. The ''Uttara Ramayana'' tells that once, while hunting in the forest, Kalmashapada mistakenly kills a ''rakshasa'' disguised as a tiger cub. His fellow ''rakshasa'' &ndash; who was also disguised as a cub &ndash; assumes his true form and warns the king that he will take his revenge against the wrongful death at the proper time. The ''Shiva Purana'' and the ''Bhagavata Purana'' identify the other ''rakshasa'' as the brother of the slain one, and does not mention the tiger cub disguise.<ref name="bhagavata"/><ref name="Mani377"/> The ''Vishnu Purana'' also notes that the demons appeared in the form of tigers.<ref name="Mani377"/>


The king returns to his capital and invites his guru Vashishtha to the [[Ashwamedha]] sacrifice. The sage accepts. The vengeful ''rakshasa'' assumes the form of the sage and informs the king that he secretly desires to eat meat (a taboo for sages), and that the king should come to his [[ashram]] and offer him meat. Deceived by the ''rakshasa's'' disguise, Kalmashapada with his queen goes to Vashishtha's ashram and presents him with meat. The sage feels insulted seeing the taboo offering, and curses the king to be a ''rakshasa''.<ref name="Mani377"/>
The king returns to his capital and invites his guru Vashishtha to the [[Ashwamedha|ashvamedha]] sacrifice. The sage accepts. The vengeful ''rakshasa'' assumes the form of the sage and informs the king that he secretly desires to eat meat (a taboo for sages), and that the king should come to his [[ashram]]a and offer him meat. Deceived by the ''rakshasa's'' disguise, Kalmashapada with his queen goes to Vashishtha's ashram and presents him with meat. The sage feels insulted seeing the taboo offering, and curses the king to be a rakshasa.<ref name="Mani377"/>


In the ''Shiva Purana'', the ''Bhagavata Purana'', and the ''Vishnu Purana'', the ''rakshasa'' disguises himself as a Brahmin cook and gains entry to the king's kitchen. When Vashishtha arrives in Ayodhya on the king's invitation for a [[Śrāddha|Shraddha]] ceremony, or simply dinner, the demon cooks human flesh and offers that to the sage on behalf of the king. The enraged sage curses him to be transformed into a human-eating ''rakshasa'' and wander the forests. The pious king is outraged by the unjust curse and quarrels with the sage. Vashishtha reduces the curse to 12 years when he hears of the ''rakshasa's'' deception. But the king is not satisfied. He takes water in his hand to cast a curse on Vashishtha, but the queen dissuades him. However, the curse-ridden water cannot be wasted. If thrown on the ground, it will destroy the crop. If thrown in the air, it will spoil the rains. Throwing in any direction would harm some living beings. Ultimately, the king throws the water on his own feet. Since the king's feet become black and white in colour, he gains the epithets Kalmashapada and Kalmasanghri (literally, "pied feet").<ref name="Mani377"/><ref name="dowson"/><ref name="bhagavata"/><ref>Wilson pp. 306-8</ref>
In the ''Shiva Purana'', the ''Bhagavata Purana'', and the ''Vishnu Purana'', the ''rakshasa'' disguises himself as a Brahmin cook and gains entry to the king's kitchen. When Vashishtha arrives in Ayodhya on the king's invitation for a [[Śrāddha|Shraddha]] ceremony, or simply dinner, the rakshasa cooks human flesh and offers that to the sage on behalf of the king. The enraged sage curses him to be transformed into a human-eating ''rakshasa'' and wander the forests. The pious king is outraged by the unjust curse and quarrels with the sage. Vashishtha reduces the curse to 12 years when he hears of the ''rakshasa's'' deception. But the king is not satisfied. He takes water in his hand to cast a curse on Vashishtha, but the queen dissuades him. However, the curse-ridden water was not to be wasted; If thrown on the ground, it would destroy the crop. If thrown in the air, it would spoil the rains. Throwing in any direction would harm some living beings. Ultimately, the king throws the water on his own feet. Since the king's feet become black and white in colour, he gains the epithets Kalmashapada and Kalmasanghri (literally, "pied feet").<ref name="Mani377"/><ref name="dowson"/><ref name="bhagavata"/><ref>Wilson pp. 306-8</ref>


==Life as a ''rakshasa''==
=== Life as a rakshasa ===
[[File:Uttanka gets earrings from Queen Madayanti and gives them to his guru's wife Ahalya.jpg|thumb|Uttanka gets earrings from Queen Madayanti and gives them to his guru's wife Ahalya.]]


The ''Mahabharata'' narrates that Kalmashapada cultivates an intense hatred for Vashishtha and his sons. He eats Shakti and his 99 brothers to seek his vengeance. The grief-stricken Vashishtha leaves his ashram and starts roaming the forest. He even tries to kill himself, but fails every time.<ref name="Mani377"/> Texts such as the ''Mahabharata'', the ''[[Linga Purana]]'', and the ''Kanchipuranam'' blame Vishwamitra for provoking Kalmashapada to slay Vashishtha's sons.<ref>Mitchiner p. 204</ref> An older scripture, ''[[Brihaddevata]]'', also mentions that multiple Saudasas (sons of Sudasa) slay the hundred sons of Vashishtha.<ref>Meyer p. 233</ref>
The ''Mahabharata'' narrates that Kalmashapada cultivates an intense hatred for Vashishtha and his sons. He eats Shakti and his 99 brothers to seek his vengeance. The grief-stricken Vashishtha leaves his ashram and starts roaming the forest. He even tries to kill himself, but fails every time.<ref name="Mani377"/> Texts such as the ''Mahabharata'', the ''[[Linga Purana]]'', and the ''Kanchipuranam'' blame Vishvamitra for provoking Kalmashapada to slay Vashishtha's sons.<ref>Mitchiner p. 204</ref> An older scripture, ''[[Brihaddevata]]'', also mentions that multiple Saudasas (sons of Sudasa) slay the hundred sons of Vashishtha.<ref>Meyer p. 233</ref>


Various texts relate that in the forest, Kalmashapada encounters a young Brahmin couple engaged in coitus. Kalmashapada disturbs the act before climax and captures the Brahmin youth. His wife pleads that her husband has not impregnated her yet, and that it is improper to kill a Brahmin. However, Kalmashapada devours the youth. The chaste Brahmin widow wails and curses Kalmashapada that he will die if he touches any woman with amorous intent. The wife cremates her husband and commits [[sati (practice)|sati]] by jumping into his funeral pyre.<ref name="Mani377"/><ref name="bhagavata"/>
Various texts relate that in the forest, Kalmashapada encounters a young Brahmin couple engaged in coitus. Kalmashapada disturbs the act before climax and captures the Brahmin youth. His wife pleads that her husband has not impregnated her yet, and that it was improper to kill a Brahmin. However, Kalmashapada devours the youth. The chaste Brahmin widow wails and curses Kalmashapada that he would die if he touched any woman with amorous intent. The wife cremates her husband and performs [[sati (practice)|sati]] by jumping into his funeral pyre.<ref name="Mani377"/><ref name="bhagavata"/>


The ''Shiva Purana'' adds an continuation: The sin of killing a Brahmin transforms into a monster called [[Brāhmanahatya|Brahmahatya]], who starts following Kalmashapada. The latter tries to escape the monster, and finally reaches King [[Janaka]]'s court. There, the sage [[Gautama Maharishi|Gautama]] teaches Kalmashapada divine knowledge and directs him to the [[Shiva]] temple of [[Gokarna, India|Gokarna]] to free him of his sins. At Gokarna, Kalmashapada performs intense austerities and is liberated from Brahmahatya.<ref name="Mani377"/>
The ''Shiva Purana'' adds an continuation: The sin of killing a Brahmin transforms into a monster called [[Brāhmanahatya|Brahmahatya]], who starts following Kalmashapada. The latter tries to escape the monster, and finally reaches King [[Janaka]]'s court. There, the sage [[Gautama Maharishi|Gautama]] teaches Kalmashapada divine knowledge and directs him to the [[Shiva]] temple of [[Gokarna, India|Gokarna]] to free him of his sins. At Gokarna, Kalmashapada performs intense austerities and is liberated from Brahmahatya.<ref name="Mani377"/>


The ''Mahabharata'' also records an encounter between the sage Uttanka and Kalmashapada. After serving his guru Gautama for a hundred years, Uttanka is allowed to go, but must provide Gautama with [[Dakshina#Gurudakshina|Gurudakshina]], a traditional repayment for his teacher's services. Gautama's wife [[Ahalya]] suggests that he bring her the divine earrings of Madayanti, Kalmashapada's wife, as repayment. Uttanka meets the cannibalistic Kalmashapada, who approaches Uttanka to eat him, but Uttanka stops him and explains that he is duty-bound to get Madayanti's earrings as gurudakshina and that he, Uttanka, will return to Kalmashapada after fulfilling his obligation. Kalmashapada agrees and directs him to his wife, who refuses to part with her earrings until Uttanka brings some token from Kalmashapada as proof of his consent. Upon returning from Kalmashapada with a token, Madayanti gives him the earrings.<ref>Mani, p. 816</ref>
The ''Mahabharata'' also records an encounter between the sage Uttanka and Kalmashapada. After serving his guru Gautama for a hundred years, Uttanka is allowed to go, but must provide Gautama with [[Dakshina#Gurudakshina|gurudakshina]], a traditional repayment for his teacher's services. Gautama's wife [[Ahalya]] suggests that he bring her the divine earrings of Madayanti, Kalmashapada's wife, as repayment. Uttanka meets the cannibalistic Kalmashapada, who approaches Uttanka to eat him, but Uttanka stops him and explains that he is duty-bound to get Madayanti's earrings as a gurudakshina and that he, Uttanka, would return to Kalmashapada after fulfilling his obligation. Kalmashapada agrees and directs him to his wife, who refuses to part with her earrings until Uttanka brings some token from Kalmashapada as proof of his consent. Upon returning from Kalmashapada with a token, Madayanti gives him the earrings.<ref>Mani, p. 816</ref>


==Liberation from the curse and children==
=== Liberation from the curse and children ===
[[File:Lord Rama with arrows.jpg|thumb|274x274px|Rama is a descendant of Kalmashapada. ]]
[[File:Lord Rama with arrows.jpg|thumb|274x274px|Rama is a descendant of Kalmashapada.]]
The ''Mahabharata'' narrates that Vashishtha meets Kalmashapada at the end of the 12-year period and frees the king of the curse. The king returns to his original form and accepts the sage as his guru and ''[[purohita]]'' (priest). Both of them return to Ayodhya. However, Kalmashapada is still heirless and cannot unite with his wife in coitus due to the Brahmin widow's curse. The king requests Vashishtha to inseminate Madayanti, following the practice of ''[[niyoga]]''. The queen becomes pregnant by the sage but does not deliver for 12 years. Finally, the frustrated queen breaks her womb with a stone and her son is born. Since the son is born with the aid of a stone (''Ashman''), he is named Ashmaka ("the child born of a stone").<ref>Mani, pp. 377-8</ref> The ''Mahabharata'' adds that this act of "giving" his wife to a Brahmin helps Kalmashapada attain heaven.<ref>Mitchiner p. 240</ref>
The ''Mahabharata'' narrates that Vashishtha meets Kalmashapada at the end of the 12-year period and frees the king of the curse. The king returns to his original form and accepts the sage as his guru and ''[[purohita]]'' (priest). Both of them return to Ayodhya. However, Kalmashapada is still heirless and cannot unite with his wife in coitus due to the Brahmin widow's curse. The king requests Vashishtha to inseminate Madayanti, following the practice of ''[[niyoga]]''. The queen becomes pregnant by the sage, but does not deliver for 12 years. Finally, the frustrated queen breaks her womb with a stone and her son is born. Since the son is born with the aid of a stone (''ashman''), he is named Ashmaka ("the child born of a stone").<ref>Mani, pp. 377-8</ref> The ''Mahabharata'' adds that this act of "giving" his wife to a Brahmin helps Kalmashapada attain [[Svarga|heaven]].<ref>Mitchiner p. 240</ref>


A central character of the epic, King [[Pandu]], who is cursed to die upon having sex with his wife, convinces his wife [[Kunti]] to have ''niyoga'' with the gods and mother children for him, citing the example of Kalmashapada.<ref name="Tripāṭhī2005">{{cite book|author=Candrabalī Tripāṭhī|title=The Evolution of Ideals of Womenhood in Indian Society|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=lptUQEU1GWcC&pg=PA140|date=1 January 2005|publisher=Gyan Books|isbn=978-81-7835-425-5|page=140}}</ref> The scholar Meyer suggests that the tale of Pandu may be inspired by the much older narrative of Kalmashapada.<ref>Meyer, p. 234</ref>
A central character of the epic, King [[Pandu]], who is cursed to die upon having sex with his wife, convinces his wife [[Kunti]] to have ''niyoga'' with the gods and mother children for him, citing the example of Kalmashapada.<ref name="Tripāṭhī2005">{{cite book|author=Candrabalī Tripāṭhī|title=The Evolution of Ideals of Womenhood in Indian Society|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lptUQEU1GWcC&pg=PA140|date=1 January 2005|publisher=Gyan Books|isbn=978-81-7835-425-5|page=140}}</ref> The scholar Meyer suggests that the tale of Pandu may be inspired by the much older narrative of Kalmashapada.<ref>Meyer, p. 234</ref>


Other texts agree that Vashishtha ends Kalmashapada's curse; however, there is some variation. In the ''Bhagavata Purana'', Vashishtha himself strikes the queen's belly with a stone after seven years to free the child.<ref name="bhagavata"/> The ''Vishnu Purana'' credits the queen for opening her own womb, but the period is seven years.<ref>Wilson p. 307</ref>
Other texts agree that Vashishtha ends Kalmashapada's curse; however, there is some variation. In the ''Bhagavata Purana'', Vashishtha himself strikes the queen's belly with a stone after seven years to free the child.<ref name="bhagavata"/> The ''Vishnu Purana'' credits the queen for opening her own womb, but the period is seven years.<ref>Wilson p. 307</ref>


All texts agree that Kalmashapada is an ancestor of [[Dasharatha]] and his divine son [[Rama]], the hero of the ''Ramayana''. The names of Kalmashapada's children and the number of generations between Kalmashapada and Dasharatha varies. The ''Vishnu Purana'', the ''Vayu Purana'', the ''Bhagavata Purana'', the ''[[Kurma Purana]]'', and the ''[[Linga Purana]]'' contain a few variations of the names. According to them, Ashmaka was the son of Kalmashapada, and nine generations lie between Kalmashapada and Dasharatha. The ''[[Matsya Purana]]'', the ''Agni Purana'', the ''Brahma Purana'', and the ''Harivamsa'' call Kalmashapada's son Sarvakarma (who is said to be the grandfather of Kalmashapada in the ''Vishnu Purana'', et al.), but agree as to the number of generations with the ''Vishnu Purana'', et al. The ''Ramayana'' identifies the son as Shankhana and states that ten generations lie between Kalmashapada and Dasharatha.<ref>Wilson pp. 313-4</ref>
All texts agree that Kalmashapada is an ancestor of [[Dasharatha]] and his divine son [[Rama]], the hero of the ''Ramayana''. The names of Kalmashapada's children and the number of generations between Kalmashapada and Dasharatha varies. The ''Vishnu Purana'', the ''Vayu Purana'', the ''Bhagavata Purana'', the ''[[Kurma Purana]]'', and the ''[[Linga Purana]]'' contain a few variations of the names. According to them, Ashmaka was the son of Kalmashapada, and nine generations lie between Kalmashapada and Dasharatha. The ''[[Matsya Purana]]'', the ''Agni Purana'', the ''Brahma Purana'', and the ''Harivamsa'' call Kalmashapada's son Sarvakarma (who is said to be the grandfather of Kalmashapada in the ''Vishnu Purana'', et al.), but agree as to the number of generations with the ''Vishnu Purana'', et al. The ''Ramayana'' identifies the son as Shankhana and states that ten generations lie between Kalmashapada and Dasharatha.<ref>Wilson pp. 313-4</ref>

==Notes==
⚫
{{Reflist|2}}


==References==
==References==
⚫
{{Reflist}}
⚫
* {{cite book|author=Mani, Vettam|authorlink=Vettam Mani|title=Purāṇic encyclopaedia : a comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Purāṇic literature|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|location=Delhi|year=1975|isbn=978-0-8426-0822-0}}

==Sources==
⚫
* {{cite book|author=Mani, Vettam|authorlink=Vettam Mani|title=Purāṇic encyclopaedia : a comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Purāṇic literature|url=https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|location=Delhi|year=1975|isbn=978-0-8426-0822-0}}
* {{cite book|last=Meyer|first=Johann|title=Sexual life in ancient India : a study in the comparative history of Indian culture|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Ltd|location=Delhi|year=1971|isbn=978-81-208-0638-2}}
* {{cite book|last=Meyer|first=Johann|title=Sexual life in ancient India : a study in the comparative history of Indian culture|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Ltd|location=Delhi|year=1971|isbn=978-81-208-0638-2}}
* {{cite book|last=Mitchiner|first=John|title=Traditions of the seven Risis|publisher=Motilal Banarisdass|location=Delhi|year=2000|isbn=978-81-208-1324-3}}
* {{cite book|last=Mitchiner|first=John|title=Traditions of the seven Risis|publisher=Motilal Banarisdass|location=Delhi|year=2000|isbn=978-81-208-1324-3}}
* {{cite book|authorlink=Horace Hayman Wilson|last=Wilson|first= H. H. |title=The Vishńu Puráńa|year=1866|publisher=Trübner & CompanyBooks|url=http://books.google.co.in/books/about/The_Vish%C5%84u_Pur%C3%A1%C5%84a.html?id=ud43AQAAMAAJ|accessdate=2014-07-15}}
* {{cite book|authorlink=Horace Hayman Wilson|last=Wilson|first= H. H. |title=The Vishńu Puráńa|year=1866|publisher=Trübner & CompanyBooks|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ud43AQAAMAAJ|access-date=2014-07-15}}


[[Category:People in Hindu mythology]]
[[Category:Characters in Hindu mythology]]
[[Category:Members of the Ikshvaku clan in the Ramayana]]
[[Category:Solar dynasty]]
[[Category:Rakshasa]]
[[Category:Characters in Buddhist mythology]]

Latest revision as of 22:57, 11 August 2023

Kalmashapada
Information
RaceIkshvaku dynasty
FamilySudasa (father)
SpouseMadayanti
ChildrenAsmaka (acknowledged son, born by Vashistha)

Kalmashapada (Sanskrit: कल्माषपाद, romanized: Kalmāṣapāda), also known as Saudasa (Sanskrit: सौदास, romanized: Saudāsa), Mitrasaha (Sanskrit: मित्रसह, romanized: Mitrasaha), and Amitrasaha (Sanskrit: अमित्रसह, romanized: Amitrasaha) is a king of the Ikshvaku dynasty (the Solar dynasty) In Hindu scriptures, who was cursed to be a rakshasa (demon) by the sage Vashishtha.[1] He is described as an ancestor of Rama, the avatar of the god Vishnu and the hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana.

Many texts narrate how Kalmashapada was cursed to die if he had intercourse with his queen, so he obtained a son from Vashishtha by niyoga, an ancient tradition whereby a husband can nominate another man to impregnate his wife.[1] Kalmashapada's story is narrated in various works, including the classic epic poems Mahabharata and Ramayana, and the Puranas.[1]

Description[edit]

The Mahabharata and the Puranas agree that Kalmashapada was the son of the king Sudasa (Sudhasana); however, the Ramayana names his father was Raghu, a king whom the other texts identify as a descendant of Kalmashapada.[2] All texts agree that his ancestors include Sagara and Bhagiratha, though the generations between Bhagiratha and Kalmashapada may vary among the texts.[3][2] The Padma Purana states that he was the son of Rituparna, the contemporary Solar king of Nala-Damayanti (even a character in their story).[4][5]

Some texts state that Kalmashapada's birth name was Mitrasaha, but he was known by his patronymic Saudasa.[6] A commentator on the Vishnu Purana says that Mitra-saha (literally, "one who forbears a friend") is an epithet the king acquires from the curse of the sage Vashishtha. The king restrains (saha) himself from retaliation against his friend (mitra) Vashishtha's curse, though he possesses the power to do so.[7] The Vayu Purana, the Agni Purana, the Brahma Purana, and the Harivamsa call him Amitrasaha, "one who forbears (saha) a foe (amitra)"; here, Vashishtha is taken to be an enemy.[7]

Kalmashapada was the king of Ayodhya (Kosala) and was married to Queen Madayanti.[1] The Bhagavata Purana notes that she was also known as Damayanti.[3]

Legend[edit]

Shakti's curse[edit]

The Mahabharata narrates that once, Kalmashapada was roaming the forest for hunting. He encounters the sage Vashishtha's eldest son, Shakti, on a narrow path. As a kshatriya (a member of the military class), Kalmashapada does not make way for Shakti, a Brahmin (a member of the priesthood class). Nevertheless, Shakti refuses to budge. Finally, an enraged Kalmashapada hits Shakti with his whip. In turn, the sage curses the king to wander the forest for 16 years. The sage Vishvamitra, the arch-enemy of Vashishtha who desires to have Kalmashapada as his disciple, sends a rakshasa (named Kinkara) to possess the king's body. Vishvamitra plots to destroy his enemy's family with the help of the king. Under the influence of the rakshasa, the king serves human flesh to a Brahmin, who sets Shakti's curse into effect. The king turns into a cannibalistic rakshasa.[1][8][9]

Vashishtha's curse[edit]

The Uttara Kanda of the Ramayana and the Shiva Purana narrate about Vashishtha cursing Kalmashapada with slight variation. The Uttara Ramayana tells that once, while hunting in the forest, Kalmashapada mistakenly kills a rakshasa disguised as a tiger cub. His fellow rakshasa – who was also disguised as a cub – assumes his true form and warns the king that he will take his revenge against the wrongful death at the proper time. The Shiva Purana and the Bhagavata Purana identify the other rakshasa as the brother of the slain one, and does not mention the tiger cub disguise.[3][1] The Vishnu Purana also notes that the demons appeared in the form of tigers.[1]

The king returns to his capital and invites his guru Vashishtha to the ashvamedha sacrifice. The sage accepts. The vengeful rakshasa assumes the form of the sage and informs the king that he secretly desires to eat meat (a taboo for sages), and that the king should come to his ashrama and offer him meat. Deceived by the rakshasa's disguise, Kalmashapada with his queen goes to Vashishtha's ashram and presents him with meat. The sage feels insulted seeing the taboo offering, and curses the king to be a rakshasa.[1]

In the Shiva Purana, the Bhagavata Purana, and the Vishnu Purana, the rakshasa disguises himself as a Brahmin cook and gains entry to the king's kitchen. When Vashishtha arrives in Ayodhya on the king's invitation for a Shraddha ceremony, or simply dinner, the rakshasa cooks human flesh and offers that to the sage on behalf of the king. The enraged sage curses him to be transformed into a human-eating rakshasa and wander the forests. The pious king is outraged by the unjust curse and quarrels with the sage. Vashishtha reduces the curse to 12 years when he hears of the rakshasa's deception. But the king is not satisfied. He takes water in his hand to cast a curse on Vashishtha, but the queen dissuades him. However, the curse-ridden water was not to be wasted; If thrown on the ground, it would destroy the crop. If thrown in the air, it would spoil the rains. Throwing in any direction would harm some living beings. Ultimately, the king throws the water on his own feet. Since the king's feet become black and white in colour, he gains the epithets Kalmashapada and Kalmasanghri (literally, "pied feet").[1][8][3][10]

Life as a rakshasa[edit]

The Mahabharata narrates that Kalmashapada cultivates an intense hatred for Vashishtha and his sons. He eats Shakti and his 99 brothers to seek his vengeance. The grief-stricken Vashishtha leaves his ashram and starts roaming the forest. He even tries to kill himself, but fails every time.[1] Texts such as the Mahabharata, the Linga Purana, and the Kanchipuranam blame Vishvamitra for provoking Kalmashapada to slay Vashishtha's sons.[11] An older scripture, Brihaddevata, also mentions that multiple Saudasas (sons of Sudasa) slay the hundred sons of Vashishtha.[12]

Various texts relate that in the forest, Kalmashapada encounters a young Brahmin couple engaged in coitus. Kalmashapada disturbs the act before climax and captures the Brahmin youth. His wife pleads that her husband has not impregnated her yet, and that it was improper to kill a Brahmin. However, Kalmashapada devours the youth. The chaste Brahmin widow wails and curses Kalmashapada that he would die if he touched any woman with amorous intent. The wife cremates her husband and performs sati by jumping into his funeral pyre.[1][3]

The Shiva Purana adds an continuation: The sin of killing a Brahmin transforms into a monster called Brahmahatya, who starts following Kalmashapada. The latter tries to escape the monster, and finally reaches King Janaka's court. There, the sage Gautama teaches Kalmashapada divine knowledge and directs him to the Shiva temple of Gokarna to free him of his sins. At Gokarna, Kalmashapada performs intense austerities and is liberated from Brahmahatya.[1]

The Mahabharata also records an encounter between the sage Uttanka and Kalmashapada. After serving his guru Gautama for a hundred years, Uttanka is allowed to go, but must provide Gautama with gurudakshina, a traditional repayment for his teacher's services. Gautama's wife Ahalya suggests that he bring her the divine earrings of Madayanti, Kalmashapada's wife, as repayment. Uttanka meets the cannibalistic Kalmashapada, who approaches Uttanka to eat him, but Uttanka stops him and explains that he is duty-bound to get Madayanti's earrings as a gurudakshina and that he, Uttanka, would return to Kalmashapada after fulfilling his obligation. Kalmashapada agrees and directs him to his wife, who refuses to part with her earrings until Uttanka brings some token from Kalmashapada as proof of his consent. Upon returning from Kalmashapada with a token, Madayanti gives him the earrings.[13]

Liberation from the curse and children[edit]

Rama is a descendant of Kalmashapada.

The Mahabharata narrates that Vashishtha meets Kalmashapada at the end of the 12-year period and frees the king of the curse. The king returns to his original form and accepts the sage as his guru and purohita (priest). Both of them return to Ayodhya. However, Kalmashapada is still heirless and cannot unite with his wife in coitus due to the Brahmin widow's curse. The king requests Vashishtha to inseminate Madayanti, following the practice of niyoga. The queen becomes pregnant by the sage, but does not deliver for 12 years. Finally, the frustrated queen breaks her womb with a stone and her son is born. Since the son is born with the aid of a stone (ashman), he is named Ashmaka ("the child born of a stone").[14] The Mahabharata adds that this act of "giving" his wife to a Brahmin helps Kalmashapada attain heaven.[15]

A central character of the epic, King Pandu, who is cursed to die upon having sex with his wife, convinces his wife Kunti to have niyoga with the gods and mother children for him, citing the example of Kalmashapada.[16] The scholar Meyer suggests that the tale of Pandu may be inspired by the much older narrative of Kalmashapada.[17]

Other texts agree that Vashishtha ends Kalmashapada's curse; however, there is some variation. In the Bhagavata Purana, Vashishtha himself strikes the queen's belly with a stone after seven years to free the child.[3] The Vishnu Purana credits the queen for opening her own womb, but the period is seven years.[18]

All texts agree that Kalmashapada is an ancestor of Dasharatha and his divine son Rama, the hero of the Ramayana. The names of Kalmashapada's children and the number of generations between Kalmashapada and Dasharatha varies. The Vishnu Purana, the Vayu Purana, the Bhagavata Purana, the Kurma Purana, and the Linga Purana contain a few variations of the names. According to them, Ashmaka was the son of Kalmashapada, and nine generations lie between Kalmashapada and Dasharatha. The Matsya Purana, the Agni Purana, the Brahma Purana, and the Harivamsa call Kalmashapada's son Sarvakarma (who is said to be the grandfather of Kalmashapada in the Vishnu Purana, et al.), but agree as to the number of generations with the Vishnu Purana, et al. The Ramayana identifies the son as Shankhana and states that ten generations lie between Kalmashapada and Dasharatha.[19]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Mani, p. 377
  2. ^ a b Wilson p. 315
  3. ^ a b c d e f Bhagavata Purana Archived 3 November 2013 at the Wayback Machine by Prabhupada
  4. ^ Padma Purana Srishti Khanda (First Canto) Chapter 8. Verse 151-152, English translation by Motilal Bansaridas Publications Book 1 Page 69-70, Link: https://archive.org/details/PadmaPuranaVol05BhumiAndPatalaKhandaPages15651937ENGMotilalBanarsidass1990_201901
  5. ^ Mahabharata Nalapokhyana Parva, Vana Parva
  6. ^ Mani, p. 376
  7. ^ a b Wilson p. 305
  8. ^ a b Dowson's Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology
  9. ^ Wilson p. 306
  10. ^ Wilson pp. 306-8
  11. ^ Mitchiner p. 204
  12. ^ Meyer p. 233
  13. ^ Mani, p. 816
  14. ^ Mani, pp. 377-8
  15. ^ Mitchiner p. 240
  16. ^ Candrabalī Tripāṭhī (1 January 2005). The Evolution of Ideals of Womenhood in Indian Society. Gyan Books. p. 140. ISBN 978-81-7835-425-5.
  17. ^ Meyer, p. 234
  18. ^ Wilson p. 307
  19. ^ Wilson pp. 313-4

Sources[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kalmashapada&oldid=1169887510"