Dasharatha

Birth and Ascension

Dasharatha, born Nemi as son of King Aja and Indumati in the Suryavansha-Ikshvaku dynasty, ascended Ayodhya's throne after his father's demise. Renowned for martial prowess, he subdued neighboring kingdoms and asuras, notably fighting ten Shambara asuras simultaneously across chariot directions, earning Brahma's boon and name "Dasharatha" (capable of charioteering in ten directions). He aided Indra against asuras like Shambara in Devaloka, with Kaikeyi as charioteer tightening wheel nuts mid-battle, later granting her two boons.​

Marriages and Queens

Dasharatha wed three chief queens: Kausalya (Rama's mother), Kaikeyi (Bharata's), and Sumitra (Lakshmana-Shatrughna's mother), plus 350 secondary wives, fostering palace harmony. Childless initially, he hosted sage Rishyasringa for Putrakameshti yagna after Sumantra's prophecy; divine payasam distributed—half to Sumitra (yielding twins), quarter each to others—resulted in four sons, fulfilling Vishnu's earthly descent.​

The Shravana Curse

As crown prince hunting by Sarayu, Dasharatha—expert in sound-hunting—mistook thirst-quenching Shravana for a deer, fatally arrowing him while fetching water for blind hermit parents. Approaching the grieving couple, he confessed; they cursed him: "As we die separated from our son, so shall you," presaging Rama's exile grief. This unrighteous act haunted him lifelong.​

Rama's Exile and Downfall

Kaikeyi, swayed by maid Manthara fearing Kausalya's rise, invoked battle boons: Bharata's coronation, Rama's 14-year exile. Heartbroken, Dasharatha protested but upheld satya (truth); Rama departed with Sita-Lakshmana, shattering the king. Recalling Shravana's curse amid wailing queens, Dasharatha succumbed to pangs of separation, dying before Bharata-Shatrughna's Kekaya return. Funeral rites by sons underscored his tragedy.​

Legacy and Divine Role

Dasharatha symbolizes flawed yet dharmic kingship—valiant protector turned victim of promises and fate—setting Rama's maryada purushottama journey. Vishnu Purana and regional texts exalt his yagnas, battles; Ramlila, Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas perpetuate his saga. Ayodhya sites like Dasharatha Mahal evoke his rule; for Veergatha platforms, he exemplifies paternal sacrifice in Indian epics.