By Swami Harshananda
Ikṣvāku, Founder of a Dynasty[edit]
Ikṣvāku was the son of Vaivasvata Manu. He was the founder of the dynasty of kings that ruled from Ayodhyā. Śrī Rāma belonged to this dynasty. He had hundred sons and a daughter named Suvarṇā. Among all the sons, Nimi started his own dynasty called ‘Videha’ at Mithilā. He was the ancestor of Janaka-Śīradhvaja, the father of Sītā. Sītā was the wife of lord Rāma.
Ikṣvāku, A Brāhmaṇa[edit]
Ikṣvāku was also the name of a brāhmaṇa. Though, he was well-versed in the scriptures, he did not care to teach others. On the contrary he led a glutton’s life. He was ultimately saved by the grace of a sage Jābāli.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore