Kushanabha Explained

Type:	Hindu
Kushanabha
Dynasty:	Amavasu - Chandravamsha
Texts:	Ramayana, Puranas
Father:	Kusha
Children:	Gadhi (son), Hundred unnamed daughters
Spouse:	Ghritachi

Kushanabha is a king featured in Hindu texts. He is described to be the king of the Amavasu dynasty and belongs to the Chandravamsha line. He is stated to be the son of Kusha.^[1] Kushanabha is believed to be the founder of the city Mahodaya (Regarded to be present-day Kannauj).^[2]

Legend

Marriage

Gritachi was an accomplished dancer. Kushanabha was infatuated with her after seeing her dance. He married her and had 100 daughters with her.^{[3] [4]} He married the 100 sisters to Brahmadatta, the founder of Kampilya and son of Chuli Rishi and the apsara Somada, in turn the daughter of the apsara Urmila.

Birth of Gadhi

Kushanabha had 100 daughters but no male successor to his throne. So, he started worshipping the deity Indra and performed austerities wishing to have a son like Indra. At last, Indra consented and became his son, by incarnation, being born as Gadhi.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Book: The Valmiki Ramayana: Set of 3 Volumes. Bibek Debroy. November 2017. Penguin Random House India. 1 November 2017. 154. 9789387326941. Kusha's son was the powerful Kushanabha, who was extremely devoted.
2. Book: The Valmiki Ramayana, Volume 1. Bibek Debroy. 25 October 2017. Penguin Random House India. 25 October 2017. 94. 9789387326262.
3. Book: A Companion to Indian Mythology: Hindu, Buddhist & Jaina. Vishwanath S. Naravane. Thinker's Library, Technical Publishing House. 1987. 106.
4. Book: Sages, Nymphs, and Deities: Excursions in Indian Mythology. Vishwanath S. Naravane. The Author. 1997. 99.
5. Book: Indian Mythology: An Encyclopedia of Myth and Legend. Jan Knappert. Aquarian Press. 1991. 147. 9781855380400 . Kushamba Son of Kusha who worshipped Indra. He performed austerities wishing to have a son like Indra. At last Indra consented and became his son, by incarnation, being born as Gadhi..