Paraṃtapa of Magadha

Paraṃtapa was the king of Magadha in the time of Rāma-rājya (the rule of Bhagavān Rāma). Magadha is one of the best known kingdoms of ancient Bhāratavarṣa, in the east. The Ānanda Rāmāyaṇa names him among the kings at the svayaṃvara (the bride’s own choice of husband) of Sumatī.

At Sumatī’s svayaṃvara

The name Paraṃtapa means “one who burns his enemies” (param-tapa). Bhūrikīrti Mahārāja held Sumatī’s svayaṃvara at Vaṭapura. Paraṃtapa was among the assembled kings. The elder woman Sunanda (called dādi) described each king to Sumatī in turn. Paraṃtapa was one of them. Sumatī passed him over with respect and placed her māla (garland) on Lava.

Sources

• Ānanda Rāmāyaṇa, Vivāha Khaṇḍa, Chapter 3