A. Royden D'souza

Sage Vasishtha is one of the most respected and ancient sages in Indian tradition. He is counted among the Saptarṣis — the seven seers who preserve divine knowledge through the ages.

Bhagiratha was born in the royal line of Ikṣvāku, son of King Dilīpa of Ayodhyā. From childhood, he was unlike other princes — contemplative, steadfast, and guided by a sense of divine purpose.

From birth, Saudāsa was strong, noble, and fair-minded. Yet destiny had already written upon him a mark — a dark spot on his leg, resembling a burn or stain. Because of this, the people began calling him Kalmāṣapāda, “the one with the spotted foot.”

After King Sagara’s sixty thousand sons were reduced to ashes by the fiery gaze of Sage Kapila, the once-glorious Solar Dynasty was plunged into despair.

A tale about Daśaratha, sovereign of the radiant city of Ayodhyā, and father of Lord Rama

The Ikshvaku dynasty, known in Sanskrit as Ikṣvāku-vaṃśa or Sūrya-vaṃśa (“Lineage of the Sun”), represents the oldest and most illustrious royal family in the sacred history of Bhārata (India).