The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v2.c15.s2.t2.10

v2.c15.s2.t2.10

Mahādēva had, besides his son Gaṇapati, two daughters, Mēlāmbikā or Mailamā and Kundāmbikā,¹ both of whom were given in marriage to the Natavāḍi chief Rudra, son of Buddha. The marriage of his two daughters with this Natavāḍi prince, Rudra, shows that Mahādēva adhered to the policy of friendship and intermarriage with the feudatory families initiated by his predecessor. Mahādēva was a staunch Śaiva by faith; he was a disciple of the sage Dhruvēśvara from whom he had learnt the *Dharma*. Though he had acquired, by the grace of the Lord of Gauri, the sovereignty of the earth, he is said to have ‘cared not a straw for it, and to have become one completely engrossed in the worship of the lotus feet of the god Śiva’.² In spite, however, of his alleged indifference to worldly power and possessions, he showed no lack of interest in the protection of his kingdom, and never hesitated, when the call of duty came, to sacrifice his life in defence of it.