18 Facts About Dasharatha

King Dasharatha was believed to be an incarnation of Svayambhuva Manu, the son of the Hindu creator god, Brahma.

Dasharatha was born as the son of King Aja of Kosala and Indumati of Vidarbha.

Dasharatha was originally named Nemi, but he acquired the moniker Dasharatha as his chariot could move in all ten directions, fly, and return to earth, and he could fight with ease in all of these directions.

Dasharatha became the ruler of Kosala after the death of his father.

Dasharatha was a great warrior who subjugated many of the neighbouring kingdoms with his prowess and slew many asuras in battle.

Dasharatha ruled over Ayodhya, but he lacked a son to carry on his dynasty.

Dasharatha decided to perform an Puthrakamesti yagnam in order to beget a son.

Dasharatha, riding a chariot, faced the asuras in ten directions at the same time.

Dasharatha suddenly remembered an incident which had occurred in his past.

Dasharatha narrated to Kausalya and Sumitra about how, by accident, he had killed a young man named Shravana, mistaking him to be a deer.

Dasharatha, who was then the crown prince, had gone hunting on the banks of River Sarayu.

Dasharatha was an expert in hunting by determining the direction of sound and heard the gurgle of an animal drinking water.

Dasharatha became mortified when he heard a human cry as the arrow found its target.

Dasharatha hurried there to find a boy lying sprawled on the banks of the river with an arrow lodged in his chest.

Dasharatha was aghast and profusely apologised to the young Shravana trying to revive and help him.

Dasharatha told him to take the pitcher of water to his blind parents, who must be waiting for him since they were thirsty because of all the travel.

Dasharatha approached the blind couple and told them about their son's unfortunate death.

Dasharatha concluded the chapter by saying that his end was near and the curse of Shravana's parents had taken effect.