Sages & Others
Asmaka
अश्मक
Founder of Paudanya
Who was Asmaka?
Asmaka (अश्मक): Founder of Paudanya, one of the sages and supporting figures in the Mahabharata. Son begotten on Queen Madayanti by the sage Vasishtha at her husband Saudasa's bidding, when the cursed king could raise no offspring himself.
Quick Facts
| Sanskrit name | अश्मक |
|---|---|
| Title / Epithet | Founder of Paudanya |
| Faction | Sages & Others |
| Key traits | Long-awaited, Royal, Ascetic, Founding |
| Notable relationships | Son: Madayanti, Son: Vashishtha, Heir of: Kalmashapada |
| Featured in | 1 story |
About Asmaka
Son begotten on Queen Madayanti by the sage Vasishtha at her husband Saudasa's bidding, when the cursed king could raise no offspring himself. She carried him twelve years and at last opened her womb with a stone, from which he took his name; he grew to be a royal sage and founded the city of Paudanya.
In Their Words
Twelve years in the dark, and a stone for a midwife; small wonder I am named for it.
Asmaka
Traits
- Long-awaited
- Royal
- Ascetic
- Founding
Story Appearances
Character Arc
- The CovenantVasishtha comes to the queen at the king's own request
- The StoneAfter twelve years she cuts the womb open and he is born
- The CityHe founds Paudanya and rules as a royal sage
Key Relationships
- SonMadayanti
- SonVashishtha
- Heir ofKalmashapada
Places in Asmaka's Story
Drawn from the story Asmaka appears in.
Related Characters
Others counted among the Sages & Others.