Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s2.4

v1.c3.s2.4

Ikṣvāku.—In the Rigveda this name occurs but once,¹ and in a doubtful context. It is clear, however, that it denotes a prince; later interpretations make Asamāti, whose name is read into the hymn, an Ikṣvāku prince.² In the Atharvaveda³ also the name is found in only one passage, where it is uncertain whether a descendant of Ikṣvāku, or Ikṣvāku himself, is referred to; in either case he seems to be regarded as an ancient hero. In the Pañcaviṃśa Brāhmaṇa⁴ mention is made of Tryaruṇa Traidhātva Aikṣvāka, who is identical with the Tryaruṇa Traivṛṣṇa of the Bṛhaddevatā,⁵ and with Tryaruṇa Trasadasyu in the Rigveda.⁶ The connection of Trasadasyu with the Ikṣvākus is confirmed by the fact that Purukutsa was an Aikṣvāka, according to the Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa.⁷ Thus the Ikṣvāku line was originally a line of princes of the Pūrus. Zimmer⁸ places them on the upper Indus, but they may well have been somewhat further east.⁹ Later Ikṣvāku is connected with Ayodhyā.