Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 9 Chapter 22:1-17

Book 9: Chapter 22

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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 9: Chapter 22: Verses 1-17
The genealogy of the Pancalas, the Kurus and the kings of Magadha

Sri Suka resumed : From (the loins of) Divodasa appeared Mitreyu; and his sons, 0 protector of men, were Cyavana, Sudasa, Sahadeva and Somaka, the father of Jantu. (In fact,) Somaka had a hundred sons, of whom Prsata was the youngest. His son was Drupada, whose sons (again) were Dhrstadyumna and others; while Draupadi was his daughter. From (the loins of) Dhrstadyumna appeared Dhrstaketu. These are the scions of Bharmyaswa, also known as the Pancalas. From (the loins of) Rksa, who was another son of Ajamidha, appeared Samvarana. From his loins appeared, through Tapati, a daughter of the sun-god, Kuru, the lord of Kuruksetra. Pariksit, Sudhanwa, Jahnu and Nisadhaswa were the sons of Kuru. Sudhanwa's son was Suhotra, from whom followed Cyavana; and of Cyavana was born Krti. His son was Uparicara Vasu, of whom were born Brhadratha and others. (Of them) Kusamba, Matsya, Pratyagra, Cedipa and others were the rulers of the kingdom of Cedi. From (the loins of) Brhadratha sprang up Kusagra. His son was Rsabha. Of the latter was born a son, Satyahita (by name) whose son was Puspavan and the son of the last-named was Jahu. From (the loins of) Brhadratha through another wife appeared two halves (of a fully developed human foetus). They were thrown away by the mother and were sportingly joined together by (an ogress named) Jara, uttering the words "Live I Live !!" and there appeared the son, Jarasandha (united by Jana) (by name). Of him was born Sahadeva, and from (the loins of) Sahadeva appeared Somapi, from whom appeared Srutasrava. (Of the four sons of Kuru,) Pariksit, (the eldest) remained issueless, while Jahu's son was named Suratha. From the loins of the latter sprang up Viduratha, of whom Sarvabhauma was born; and from Sarvabhauma followed Jayasena, whose son was Radhika and from (the loins of) the last-named indeed appeared Ayuta. From (the loins of) Ayuta, again, sprang up Krodhana, of whom was born Devatithi; and his son was Rsya. The son of Rsya was Dilipa whose son, again, was Pratipa. Devapi, Santanu and Bahlika--these were the sons of Pratipa. Relinquishing his (claim to the) ancestral kingdom, Devapi, for his part, retired to the forest. (Hence his younger brother) Santanu, who was called by the name of Mahabhisa (a great physician) in his previous birth, became the king. (Even in that life) whatever old man he touched with his hands would regain his youth and also experience great relief. Through this act of his he came to be known as Santanu (affording relief to one's body). (Once upon a time) when lndra (the god of rain) did not send down showers in his kingdom for a period of twelve years, Santanu (on approaching and seeking the advice of Brahmanas) was replied to by the Brahmanas (as follows):--He (too) who (like) you) enjoys sovereignty first (In the presence of his elder brother) falls under the category of Parivetta* (and is therefore a sinner in the eyes of the Sastras). (Hence) return the kingdom at once to your elder brother (Devapi) for the prosperity of the city as well as of the state (which depends on a good rainfall, the latter having been obstructed by your aforesaid sin)." Thus exhorted by the Brahmanas, Santanu (approached and) tried to persuade his elder brother (Devapi) to accept the throne. Having (already) been led away from (the path of) the Vedas by Brahmanas--sent (to him in advance) by Santanu's minister (Asmarata)-through their speech (expressing heretical views), Devapi, however, spoke words blaspheming the teachings of the Vedas. It is then that the god of rain released showers (because Devapi now became disqualified for the throne due to his apostasy and Santanu ceased to be guilty any more). Devapi (who was eventually disillusioned) took to (the practice of) Yoga and took up his abode in Kalapagrama (where he is still residing).

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