Cañcalā

Cañcalā is a gandharva princess in the Ānanda Rāmāyaṇa. A gandharva is a celestial being known for music. Her name means “restless” or “sparkling.” She was one of five daughters of a gandharva-rāja (king of the gandharvas). Jaladevī held them prisoner at the Pañcappa lake, and Bhagavān Rāma freed them.

Her marriage

Vasishṭha Maharshi gave Cañcalā to Pushkara, the son of Bharata and Māṇḍavī, as his gandharva bride. Pushkara also married the nāgakanyā (serpent maiden) Kalāvatī. Cañcalā’s wedding was held at Ayodhyā in the Phālguṇa muhūrta (auspicious time). It took place in the great year of weddings.

Her children

In the genealogical account, Cañcalā bore Pushkara eight sons and one daughter.

Sources

• Ānanda Rāmāyaṇa, Vivāha Kāṇḍa, Chapters 5–7, 9