Thursday, 10 April 2025

Is it true that Dasaratha (father of Lord Rama) had more than 350 wives?

Is it true that Dasaratha (father of Lord Rama) had more than 350 wives? Yes. It is true that Dashratha had more than 350 wives. Before leaving for exile, Sri Rama visited his father last time to seek his blessings. When Rama alongwith Devi Sita and Lakshmana reached Dashratha's place, he asked Sumantra (Dashratha's charioteer) to inform Dashratha about their arrival. Sumantra then informs Dashratha about their arrival. Dashratha expresses his wish to Sumantra that he wants to see Rama in presence of all his wives. This is how it is narrated in the critical edition - O Sumantra! Bring all my wives who are present. I wish to see Raghava when I am surrounded by all my wives. Sumantra then on Dashratha's order informs all of his wives about the king's desire. This is how it is narrated in the critical edition - Knowing about the king’s command, they went to their husband’s residence. Three hundred and fifty women, with coppery red eyes and firm in their vows, surrounded Kousalya and went there slowly. The Gita Press (Hindi translated) version also confirms this fact. From these excerpts of Valmiki Ramayana, it is clear that Dashratha had 350 wives plus 3 chief wives (patranis).

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