| Govindaraja I | |
|---|---|
| King of Sapadalaksha | |
| Reign | c. 809–836 CE |
| Predecessor | Durlabharaja I |
| Successor | Chandraraja II |
| Dynasty | Chahamanas of Shakambhari |
Govinda-raja (r. c. 809–836 CE), also known as Guvaka I, was an Indian king from the Shakambhari Chahamana dynasty. He ruled parts of present-day Rajasthan in north-western India as a vassal of the Gurjara-Pratihara emperor Nagabhata II.
According to Prithviraja Vijaya, Govinda-raja was the son and successor of the Chahamana king Durlabharaja I. However, the Bijolia and the Harsha inscriptions name Durlabharaja's successor as "Guvaka", which appears to be a vernacular variation of the name "Govinda".[1]
The Harsha stone inscription suggests that Govinda was a vassal the king Nagavaloka, identified with the Pratihara emperor Nagabhata II.[2] It states that he achieved fame as a warrior, but does not name any specific battles.[3]
The construction of the Harshanatha temple dedicated to the dynasty's family deity was probably started by Govinda, although it achieved its complete form only during the reign of his successors.[3] Govinda was succeeded by his son Chandraraja II.[4]