Ṛtadhvaja

Ṛtadhvaja, a prominent figure in the Purāṇic literature, specifically the Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa, was the son of the valiant King Śatrujit. Known for his exceptional physical beauty, immense strength, and profound wisdom, he is often celebrated as the ideal prince and later a righteous monarch. He earned the epithet Kuvalayāśva due to his possession of a divine horse named Kuvalaya, which was gifted to him for his merits and played a central role in his early exploits.

The Divine Horse and Heroic Deeds

The fame of Ṛtadhvaja grew significantly when the sage Gālava sought the protection of King Śatrujit against a demon named Pātālaketu. The demon frequently disrupted the sacred rituals of the hermitage by transforming into various animals. Śatrujit dispatched Ṛtadhvaja to assist the sage. Mounted on his celestial horse Kuvalaya, the prince pursued the demon. During the confrontation, Ṛtadhvaja struck Pātālaketu with a divine weapon, causing the demon to flee into a massive chasm that led to the subterranean realm known as Pātāla.

Interaction with the Subterranean Realm

Rescue and First Marriage

Ṛtadhvaja followed the demon into Pātāla, where he encountered Madālasā, the daughter of the Gandharva king Viśvāvasu. She had been held captive by Pātālaketu with the intention of marriage. After slaying the demon, Ṛtadhvaja married Madālasā with the permission of her kin and returned to the capital of King Śatrujit. Their life together was marked by deep affection and shared virtues. However, this happiness was interrupted by Tālaketu, the brother of the fallen demon. Tālaketu sought revenge by tricking Ṛtadhvaja and subsequently deceiving Madālasā into believing her husband had died in battle. Overcome by sorrow, Madālasā abandoned her mortal coil.

Friendship with the Nāga Princes

Upon learning of the death of Madālasā, a grief-stricken Ṛtadhvaja vowed to remain faithful to her memory, refusing to marry another. During his period of mourning, he formed a close bond with the two sons of the Nāga king Aśvatara. These princes, impressed by the character and devotion of Ṛtadhvaja, informed their father of the plight of the prince. Aśvatara, through the grace of the goddess Sarasvatī, was able to restore Madālasā to life as his own daughter. He invited Ṛtadhvaja to the Nāga kingdom and reunited the couple. This event solidified the bond between the human royalty and the subterranean rulers.

Reign and Family Life

Ṛtadhvaja returned to his kingdom with the resurrected Madālasā, where he eventually ascended the throne after the retirement of his father Śatrujit. As a ruler, he was known for his adherence to Dharma and his support for the spiritual path of his queen. He witnessed his elder sons, Vikrānta, Subāhu, and Śatrumardana, renounce the kingdom to seek spiritual liberation under the guidance of Madālasā. His youngest son, Alarka, was trained to be a capable king through the specific instructions provided by his mother and father.

Final Transition and Legacy

Following the coronation of Alarka, Ṛtadhvaja and Madālasā followed the ancient tradition of Vānaprastha. They retired to the forest to lead a life of asceticism and contemplation. According to the Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa, Ṛtadhvaja successfully transitioned through the stages of life, eventually attaining spiritual fulfillment through penance and detachment. His legacy is defined by his transition from a heroic warrior to a wise and detached ruler who prioritized the spiritual welfare of his family and kingdom.