Lunar dynasty

Lunar dynasty (IAST: Candravaṃśa or Somavaṃśa in Sanskrit) is a legendary principal house of the Kshatriya varna, or warrior–ruling caste mentioned in the ancient Indian texts. This legendary dynasty was said to be descended from moon-related deities (Soma or Chandra).[1] The Hindu deity Krishna is believed to be born in the Yaduvansh branch of Lunar dynasty.

"Somavanshi" redirects here. For the dynasty of present-day Odisha, see Somavamshi dynasty.
Not to be confused with Chandra Dynasty.

Chandravansha Dynasty

CapitalPratisthan, Mathura, Hastinapur
Common languagesSanskrit
Religion
Hinduism
GovernmentMonarchy
Monarch 
Today part ofIndian subcontinent

According to the Shatapatha Brahmana, Pururavas was the son of Budha (himself often described as the son of Soma) and the gender-switching deity Ila (born as the daughter of Manu).[2] Pururavas's great-grandson was Yayati, who had five sons named Yadu, Turvasu, Druhyu, Anu, and Puru. These seem to be the names of five Indo-Aryan tribes as described in the Vedas.[3]

According to the Mahabharata, the dynasty's progenitor Ila ruled from Prayag, and had a son Shashabindu who ruled in the country of Bahli.[4] Ila's descendants were also known as the Ailas or Chandravansha.[5]

In Mahabharata
Main article: Puru and Yadu Dynasties

In Hindu texts, the Kurukshetra war that form the subject of the Indian Epic Mahabarata, was largely fought between rival branches of the Lunar Dynasty, famously resulting in the hesitation of Arjuna away from war and the reprimand of his mentor Krishna. Krishna reminds Arjuna that Dharma stands above everything and the text forms an integral cultural cornerstone for all four Kshatriya houses.

By the conclusion of the Kurukshetra war most of the Yadhuvanshi lineage is in peril. The sinking of Dwarka sees the destruction of the entire Yaduvanshi lineage with the exception of Vajranabh who was saved by Arjuna and later becomes the King of Mathura. As the only surviving grandson of Krishna all branches claiming descent from Krishna descend through him.

References

Citations
  1. Paliwal, B. B. (2005). Message of the Purans. Diamond Pocket Books Ltd. p. 21. ISBN 978-8-12881-174-6.
  2. Thapar 2013, p. 308.
  3. A. K. Warder (1972). An Introduction to Indian Historiography. Popular Prakashan. pp. 21–22.
  4. Doniger, Wendy (1999). Splitting the difference: gender and myth in ancient Greece and India. University of Chicago Press. p. 273. ISBN 978-0-226-15641-5. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  5. Encyclopaedia of the Hindu world, Volume 1 By Gaṅgā Rām Garg

Sources
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