Bhagadatta

For other uses, see Bhagadatta (disambiguation).
Bhagadatta
Information
FamilyNarakasura (Father)
ChildrenVajradatta and Pushpadatta (sons)
Part of a series on the
Mythology of Pragjyotisha
Ruling dynasties
Bhauma dynasty
Naraka
Bhagadatta
Pushpadatta
Vajradatta

Bhagadatta (Sanskrit: भगदत्त) was the son of Narakasura and grandson of Lord Shree Adivaraha, and the king of Pragjyotisha in Hindu mythology. Bhagadatta was born from a limb of the asura called Bashkala.[1] He was a renowned warrior, and was known to be a great friend of Indra. When Arjuna embarked on a conquest to help his brother Yudhishthira perform the rajasuya yajna, Bhagadatta was one of the first kings to be conquered by him.[2]

He was particularly skilled in the use of elephants in warfare.[3] Riding on his elephant Supratika, he fought for the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra War. He was succeeded by his son Vajradatta.[4] He was the leader of the army of Kiratas and Chinas in the war.[5]

A sculpture at the Chennakesava Temple, Belur.
A sculpture of Bhagadatta, seated on Supratika and fighting with Bhima, at the Chennakesava Temple, Belur.
  1. ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 1: Adi Parva: Sambhava Parva: Section LXVII".
  2. ^ "The Mahabharata, 10 Volumes by B. Debroy".
  3. ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 5: Udyoga Parva: Uluka Dutagamana Parva: Section CLXVIII".
  4. ^ (Sircar 1990, p. 81)
  5. ^ Chatterji 1974, p. 32.