Shloka 12
Ikṣvāku Dynasty: Vikukṣi’s Offense, Purañjaya’s Victory, Māndhātā’s Birth, and Saubhari’s Fall and Renunciation
पुरञ्जयस्तस्य सुत इन्द्रवाह इतीरित: । ककुत्स्थ इति चाप्युक्त: शृणु नामानि कर्मभि: ॥ १२ ॥
purañjayas tasya suta indravāha itīritaḥ kakutstha iti cāpy uktaḥ śṛṇu nāmāni karmabhiḥ
The son of Śaśāda was Purañjaya, also known as Indravāha and sometimes as Kakutstha. Hear from me how, by different deeds, he received different names.
FAQs
This verse states that Purañjaya was known by multiple names (Indravāha, Kakutstha) and that such names are to be understood in connection with one’s actions and accomplishments.
In narrating the Ikṣvāku lineage, Śukadeva clarifies alternate epithets used for the same king so the listener can follow the genealogy and the fame attached to specific deeds.
It emphasizes building one’s real identity through character and service—letting actions, not mere labels, define one’s reputation.