Sages & Others
Brihadratha
बृहद्रथ
The Childless King of Magadha
Who was Brihadratha?
Brihadratha (बृहद्रथ): The Childless King of Magadha, one of the sages and supporting figures in the Mahabharata. Lord of the Magadhas, master of three akshauhinis and husband of the twin daughters of the king of Kashi, to both of whom he had sworn never to prefer one over the other.
Quick Facts
| Sanskrit name | बृहद्रथ |
|---|---|
| Title / Epithet | The Childless King of Magadha |
| Faction | Sages & Others |
| Key traits | Even-handed, Devout, Sonless, Renouncing |
| Notable relationships | Father: Jarasandha, Benefactor: Chandakausika, Rakshasi who joined his son: Jara |
| Featured in | 2 stories |
About Brihadratha
Lord of the Magadhas, master of three akshauhinis and husband of the twin daughters of the king of Kashi, to both of whom he had sworn never to prefer one over the other. Childless after a long reign, he received a single enchanted mango from the ascetic Chandakausika and, keeping his promise, cut it in two, so that each queen bore half a living child. He retired to the forest once the joined boy, Jarasandha, was crowned.
In Their Words
I promised them equal love, and equal love is what this fruit must be cut into.
Brihadratha
Traits
- Even-handed
- Devout
- Sonless
- Renouncing
Story Appearances
Stories Featuring Brihadratha
One further tale on this site names Brihadratha.
Character Arc
- The Two QueensVows to treat the sisters of Kashi alike
- The MangoDivides the ascetic's fruit between his wives
- The RetreatGives up the throne and enters the woods
Key Relationships
- FatherJarasandha
- BenefactorChandakausika
- Rakshasi who joined his sonJara
Places in Brihadratha's Story
Drawn from the stories Brihadratha appears in.
Related Characters
Others counted among the Sages & Others.