Sumada

Sumada was the king of Ahicchatra, a rich city in the Pāñcāla region. He was a devoted bhakta (devotee) of Bhagavān Rāma and a worshipper of Kāmākshā Devī. Kāmākshā promised him that he and his family would see the lotus-like face of Rāma. This came true when Śatrughna’s Aśvamedha army reached Ahicchatra.

King of Ahicchatra

Sumada ruled Ahicchatra, a wealthy and righteous city. It had mansions of gold and crystal and gate-towers set with gems. The heroes in his service had good conduct and fine manners. They enjoyed every pleasure and were skilled in archery. (Padma Mahā Purāṇa, Pātāla Khaṇḍa, Chapter 12)

Devotion to Kāmākshā

Sumada was a devoted worshipper of Kāmākshā Devī. She lives in a magnificent temple in the park near Ahicchatra. The temple is decorated with sapphires, lapis lazuli and emeralds. It looks like the peak of Kailāsa and has golden pillars.

Sumati described this temple to Śatrughna and said: “She was formerly implored by Sumada, the king of Ahicchatra, and she, removing the misery of her devotees, lives here.”

Kāmākshā showed Sumada her grace and promised him: “With your family, you will see the lotus-like face of Rāma.” (Padma Mahā Purāṇa, Pātāla Khaṇḍa, Chapter 12)

Meeting Śatrughna

Śatrughna came to Ahicchatra with the Aśvamedha army (the army that follows the horse of the aśvamedha yajña, the horse fire ritual). Sumada received him with great honour. In their meeting he spoke of his deep devotion to Rāma:

“I hope Rāma, who is the crest-jewel of the entire world and who has come down to protect his devotees, is happy. The people who constantly drink the lotus of Rāma’s face with their eyes are blessed. All my wealth, family, land and possessions are blessed. Formerly, Kāmākshā showed me favour and told me: ‘With your family you will see the lotus-like face of Rāma.'”

He hosted Śatrughna for three nights and told him of the glories of Rāma. (Padma Mahā Purāṇa, Pātāla Khaṇḍa, Chapter 14)

Handing over the kingdom and joining the army

Sumada saw that the promise of Kāmākshā could now be fulfilled. He crowned his son as the new king of Ahicchatra. Then he joined Śatrughna’s Aśvamedha army with his ministers, warriors, elephants, horses and chariots.

This army would in the end bring Bhagavān Rāma to the battlefield. By joining it, Sumada made sure that he would see Rāma’s face, as Kāmākshā had promised. (Padma Mahā Purāṇa, Pātāla Khaṇḍa, Chapter 14)

Sources

• Padma Mahā Purāṇa, Pātāla Khaṇḍa, Chapters 12–14