Puranic encyclopaedia
by Vettam Mani | 1975 | 609,556 words | ISBN-10: 0842608222
This page describes the Story of Kekaya included the Puranic encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani that was translated into English in 1975. The Puranas have for centuries profoundly influenced Indian life and Culture and are defined by their characteristic features (panca-lakshana, literally, ‘the five characteristics of a Purana’).
Story of Kekaya
General.
A Kingdom in ancient India. Kaikeyī, one of Daśaratha’s wives, was a daughter of a Kekaya King.
Origin.
The country got the name 'Kekaya' as it was ruled by King Kekayā. His genealogy is as follows. Descended from Viṣṇu thus:—Brahmā—Atri—Candra—Budha—Purūravas—Āyus—Nahuṣa—Yayāti—Anudruhyu—Sabhānara—Kālanara—Sṛñjaya—Uśīnara—Śibi—Kekaya. Śibi had four sons called Bhadra, Suvīra, Kekaya and Vṛṣādarpa. (Bhāgavata 9th Skandha). Other details. (1) The King and the people of Kekaya were called the Kekayas.
(2) Five heroic Kekaya princes met with their death in fighting Droṇa. (Strī Parva, Chapter 25, Verse 25).
(3) Two Kekaya Princes, Vinda and Anuvinda fought on the Kaurava side. (Karṇa Parva, Chapter 13).