Other names: Ne Muni; Nemi. A legendary sage connected with the sacred history of Nepal. Nepalese chronicle traditions describe Ne Muni as the protector, or pāla, of the land; the name Nepal is explained in this tradition as the land protected by Ne, and he is also linked with the founding of an early ruling line.
Ashwattama had a warrior rank of Ati-Maharathi. Other names: Aswatthaman. Affiliation: Kaurava. Ashwatthama was the son of guru Drona and the grandson of the sage Bharadwaja. Ashwatthama possessed the celestial weapon Narayanastra (which no one possessed in the Mahabharat era). He used Narayanastra and killed one akshouni of the Pandava army. Ashvatthama fought on the…
Other names: Vibhāṇḍaka. Son of Kashyapa and father of Rishyasringa. His son’s extraordinary birth through a deer and his isolated upbringing in the forest form one of the Mahabharata’s most unusual origin stories, emphasizing austerity, restraint, and the power of tapas. “When the great saint Vibhandaka should enquire of you about his son, ye must…
Other names: Cyavana; Chyavana Rishi. Son of Bhrigu and husband of Sukanya. In the Mahabharata he is restored to youth by the Ashvin twins, whom he then secures a share of Soma at King Saryati’s sacrifice, making him a major figure in stories of rejuvenation and divine medicine. “Lomasa said, ‘A son was born to…
Affiliation: Kaurava. Chanura is a skilled wrestler. He is reowned for his physical strength and expertise in wrestling. He is an ally of the Kauravas. He is an arrogant warrior. Slayed by Krishna. Quote “In the city of Nirmochana, six thousand mighty Asuras failed to seize him with their nooses. Seekest thou to seize that…
Other names: Vasishtha; Vashistha; Vasishta. A mind-born son of Brahma, husband of Arundhati, chief among the Saptarishis, and priest of the Ikshvaku/Solar dynasty. His conflict with Vishvamitra over the divine cow Nandini is one of the major sage narratives showing the superiority of spiritual power over royal force. “Gandharva, saying, ‘I desire to hear of…
Sankha had a warrior rank of Ati-Rathi. Affiliation: Pandava. Shankha was 2nd son of King Virata. He was killed by Drona on seventh day of war. Quote “Virata jumped down from his car whose steeds also had been killed. And then that foremost of car-warriors speedily mounted upon the car of (his son) Sankha. Then…