Akrodhana

THE LIVING ARCHIVE

About Akrodhana

Ayutayus is his father in the Vishnu Purana. That account names Devatithi as one of Akrodhana’s sons and Riksha as another, then continues through Riksha’s son Dilipa. Devatithi and Riksha are consequently brothers in this version of the family.

AT A GLANCE

Identity & Context

Identity: King
Form: Kuru Royal House
Tradition: Puranic Royal Genealogy

Family & Relationships

ParentAyutayus
Ayutayus is the parent of Akrodhana.
ChildRiksha
Akrodhana is the parent of Riksha.

IN THE TRADITION

Recorded Context

Two Ways of Arranging the Next Generation

The Bhagavata gives a different relationship: Akrodhana fathers Devatithi, Devatithi fathers Riksha, and Riksha fathers Dilipa. Devatithi is consequently Riksha’s father there, while the Vishnu Purana makes them brothers. The versions share the later Dilipa and Pratipa connection, but differ by one adjoining generation.

The line later reaches Pratipa, the father of Devapi, Shantanu and Bahlika. Shantanu’s household brings together Bhishma through Ganga, and Chitrangada and Vichitravirya through Satyavati. This places the earlier ancestor before the immediate family crisis that eventually produces the generation of Dhritarashtra and Pandu.

ROLE & ESSENCE

Attributes & Significance

Akrodhana’s family marks a difference between the two accounts of the Kuru ancestry. The Vishnu Purana names Devatithi and Riksha as his sons, whereas the Bhagavata continues through Devatithi to Riksha. Both lead onward toward Dilipa and Pratipa.

Role

Akrodhana is a Kuru ancestor in the succession before Dilipa and Pratipa. The adjoining place of Devatithi and Riksha differs between the Vishnu Purana and Bhagavata accounts.

TRADITION & MEANING

Traditions & Interpretations

The later Kuru Riksha in this branch is distinct from Ajamidha’s son Riksha, who fathers Samvarana before Kuru is born. A repeated name does not reverse the order of those generations.