Kalmashapada, known as Saudasa, Mitrasaha, and Amitrasaha is a king of the Ikshvaku dynasty In Hindu scriptures, who was cursed to be a rakshasa by the sage Vashishtha.
12 Facts About Kalmashapada
1.
2.
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.
3.
Kalmashapada was the king of Ayodhya and was married to Queen Madayanti.
4.
The Mahabharata narrates that once, Kalmashapada was roaming the forest for hunting.
5.
Kalmashapada takes water in his hand to cast a curse on Vashishtha, but the queen dissuades him.
6.
The Mahabharata narrates that Kalmashapada cultivates an intense hatred for Vashishtha and his sons.
7.
Kalmashapada eats Shakti and his 99 brothers to seek his vengeance.
8.
Kalmashapada even tries to kill himself, but fails every time.
9.
Kalmashapada disturbs the act before climax and captures the Brahmin youth.
10.
Kalmashapada's wife pleads that her husband has not impregnated her yet, and that it was improper to kill a Brahmin.
11.
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.
12.
However, Kalmashapada is still heirless and cannot unite with his wife in coitus due to the Brahmin widow's curse.