Puranic encyclopaedia
by Vettam Mani | 1975 | 609,556 words | ISBN-10: 0842608222
This page describes the Story of Kosala 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 Kosala
General information.
A wealthy and prosperous country on the banks of the river Sarayū. Ayodhyā was the Capital of this kingdom. This city was built by Manu, the father of Ikṣvāku. This city was twelve yojanas long with a breadth of three yojanas. It is understood from Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bālakāṇḍa, Sarga 5 that during the time of Daśaratha this city was modified to such an extent as to be on a par with any modern city.
Other details.
(1) Bhīmasena once conquered Uttara Kosala (north Kosala). (Mahābhārata Sabhā Parva, Chapter 30).
(2) Sahadeva during his regional conquest, subdued Dakṣiṇa Kosala (South Kosala). (Mahābhārata Sabhā Parva, Chapter 31, Stanza 12).
(3) Śrī Kṛṣṇa once conquered the country of Kosala. (Mahābhārata Droṇa Parva, Chapter 21, Stanza 15).
(4) Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna, killed the King of Kosala in the battle of Bhārata.
(5) Karṇa once conquered this country for Duryodhana. (Mahābhārata Karṇa Parva, Chapter 8, Stanza 19).
(6) During the time of the battle of Bhārata a King named Kṣemadarśī ruled over Kosala. (Mahābhārata Śānti Parva, Chapter 82, Stanza 6).
(7) At the time of the Svayaṃvara (marriage) of Ambā, Bhīṣma defeated the King of Kosala. (Mahābhārata Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 44, Stanza 38).
(8) Arjuna who led the horse for sacrifice conquered the country of Kosala. (Mahābhārata Aśvamedha Parva, Chapter 83).
(9) Those who bathe in the holy bath of Ṛṣabha tīrtha in Kosala, will obtain the fruits of giving one thousand cows as alms. (Mahābhārata Vana Parva, Chapter 85, Stanza 10).