Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 34
Ikṣvāku Dynasty: Vikukṣi’s Offense, Purañjaya’s Victory, Māndhātā’s Birth, and Saubhari’s Fall and Renunciation
त्रसद्दस्युरितीन्द्रोऽङ्ग विदधे नाम यस्य वै । यस्मात् त्रसन्ति ह्युद्विग्ना दस्यवो रावणादय: ॥ ३३ ॥ यौवनाश्वोऽथ मान्धाता चक्रवर्त्यवनीं प्रभु: । सप्तद्वीपवतीमेक: शशासाच्युततेजसा ॥ ३४ ॥
trasaddasyur itīndro ’ṅga vidadhe nāma yasya vai yasmāt trasanti hy udvignā dasyavo rāvaṇādayaḥ
Māndhātā, the son of Yuvanāśva, was the cause of fear for Rāvaṇa and other thieves and rogues who caused anxiety. O King Parīkṣit, because they feared him, the son of Yuvanāśva was known as Trasaddasyu. This name was given by King Indra. By the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the son of Yuvanāśva was so powerful that when he became emperor he ruled the entire world, consisting of seven islands, without any second ruler.
FAQs
It means “one who makes the dasyus (lawless plunderers) tremble,” indicating a ruler whose dharmic power restrains criminals and aggressors.
The verse states Indra formally conferred the name, highlighting the king’s recognized, divinely sanctioned role as a protector who curbs disorder.
Leadership should protect the innocent and deter exploitation; real authority is shown by establishing safety and dharma, not by personal gain.