Sukeśa

Sukeśa was one of the earliest and greatest rākshasas in the line that led to Rāvaṇa. His father was the rākshasa Vidyutkeśa. His mother was Sālakaṭaṅkā, the daughter of Sandhyā (the devī of twilight) and Vāyu (the deva of the wind). Śiva and Pārvatī blessed him, and Śiva gave him a vimāna (an aerial chariot) that could go anywhere in the three worlds. He married Devavāti and had three sons: Mālyavān, Sumāli and Māli. These sons seized Laṅkā, and the events that led to the Rāmāyaṇa followed from their line.

Lineage

Sukeśa came from the line of rākshasas that began with Heti. Heti was one of the first rākshasas, made when Brahmā gave some beings the duty of protection. Heti married Bhayā (Fear). Their son was Vidyutkeśa. Vidyutkeśa married Sālakaṭaṅkā, the daughter of Sandhyā and Vāyu. Their son was Sukeśa. Through his mother’s parents he had a divine part in his line.

Śiva’s favour

Sukeśa was so splendid in looks, strength and bearing that Śiva and Pārvatī were moved to bless him when they passed through the region. Śiva gave Sukeśa a divine vimāna that could travel anywhere in the three worlds. This gift from Maheśvara raised Sukeśa above ordinary rākshasas in rank and power.

Family

Sukeśa married Devavāti. They had three sons: Mālyavān, Sumāli and Māli. These three became the greatest rākshasa warriors of their time. Sumāli’s daughter Kaikasī became the mother of Rāvaṇa. This makes Sukeśa the great-grandfather of the ten-headed king of Laṅkā.

Place in the rākshasa line

Sukeśa stands in the middle of the rākshasa family tree. He came from Heti and Praheti, the first rākshasas. He was blessed by Śiva. He was the father of the three brothers who seized Laṅkā, and from his line came Rāvaṇa.

Sources

• Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Uttara Kāṇḍa, Chapters 3–5