Cheti / Chedi

King Dhrishtaketu was the army leader in the Pandavas’ army for his Akshauhini with a Maharatha. Pithamaha Bhisma admired his abilities and battle techniques, as well as the manner he directed the men under him. He was the commander of the Chedis, Kasis, and Karusha armies. King Damaghosha, King Suvahu, King Uparichara Vasu and his sons, and King Sahaja were among the important Chedi Kings who joined the Pandavas’ army.

Chedi Kingdom

The Paurava Kings controlled the Chedi Kingdom. It includes the areas of Madhya Pradesh to the south of the Yamuna River and along the Vetravati River on the present Indian political map. Suktimati served as the capital of the Chedi Kingdom. King Sisubala, Duryodhana’s friend, controlled Chedi. Krishna was the son of King Sisubala’s uncle, Prince Vasudev. During Indraprastha’s Rajasuya Yaga, Krishna murdered King Sisubala. King Dhrishtaketu, King Sisubala’s oldest son, succeeded him as King of Chedi after his death. Karenumati, Princess of Chedi, married Prince Nakula of the Pandavas and had a son named Narimitra due to their union. King Dhrishtaketu of the Chedi Kingdom fought alongside the Pandavas, escorted by an Akshauhini. Dhrishtaketu was the army leader in the Pandavas’ army for his Akshauhini with a Maratha. Pithamaha Bhisma admired his abilities and battle techniques and the manner he directed the men under him. He was the commander of the Chedis, Kasis, and Karusha armies.

King Damaghosha, King Suvahu, King Uparichara Vasu and his sons, and King Sahaja were among the important Chedi Kings who joined the Pandavas’ army. Dronacharya assassinated Dhrishtaketu. Dronacharya also assassinated Dhrishtaketu’s sons and his younger brother Suketu, a prince of Chedi. Aswathama slew another prince of Chedi.

King Uparichara Vasu

Vasu ascended to the throne after his father died. After some time, King Vasu chose to relinquish his throne and the use of weapons. He walked to a remote spot in the woods. He undertook great penance and austerities here. The devas’ lord, Indra, got alarmed. He was worried that Vasu might take over as Indra.

As a result, all the devas, commanded by Indra, went to Vasu. They were successful in diverting his attention away from asceticism. He was granted eternal friendship by the devas. Vasu was also given a garland composed of Kalpavruksha flowers and a flying Vimana made of gems by Indra. Vasu was known as “Uparichara ” Vasu from that day on. Uparichara is a Sanskrit word that means “to rise.” Because of his Vimana, he was given this name.

Conquering Chedi

King Uparichara Vasu chose to invade Chedi, which was a relatively weak kingdom, with the blessings of Indra. The strong Uparichara Vasu readily conquered Chedi. Uparichara Vasu founded his capital at Chedi at Suktivati. This city was located on the banks of the Suktimati River. Chedi grew to be the heart of his enterprise.

Uparichara Vasu proceeded to acquire more land around Chedi after Chedi. Uparichara’s fame grew as he traveled across India. He was the one who initiated the yearly Indra celebration. Uparichara’s kingdom developed and prospered as well.

King Shishupala of Chedi

Shishupal’s father died soon after, and he ascended to the throne of Chedi. King Shishupala of Chedi had developed a strong hatred for Krishna. Shishupal’s anger grew when he learned that Krishna had slain his friend Kansa. Jarasandha, the mighty king of Magadha, became Shishupal’s friend and ally. King Shishupala of Chedi devised a variety of schemes to assassinate Krishna. While Krishna was in Pragjyotisha preparing to murder Narakasura, Shishupal led a massive army to Dwarka and set fire to it. He also went after the monarch of Bhoja, who was Krishna’s supporter. Shishupal even abducted Bhadra, the princess of Visala who was set to marry the king of Karusha.

It came time for Rukmini, the princess, to marry in the kingdom of Vidarbha. Shishupal’s companion Rukmi was her brother. Rukmi persuaded his father, Bhishmaka, to marry Rukmini to Shishupal. Rukmini was shocked to learn that she was being married to Shishupal. Krishna was the man she had wished to marry. She conveyed a message to Krishna through Sunanda, a loyal brahmin. Krishna should kidnap her during the wedding, according to the message. Krishna received the message and quickly started out for Vidarbha’s capital.

Jarasandha, on the other hand, was well aware that Krishna would attempt to destabilize the marriage. He dispatched a detachment of troops to accompany Shishupal to Vidarbha. Rukmini went to the Indrani Temple on the morning of the wedding. She saw Krishna arriving on a chariot as she got out. Rukmini was swept into Krishna’s chariot. Shishupal became aware of them and dispatched Jarasandha’s soldiers to pursue them. Jarasandha’s army was kept at bay by Balarama. Rukmi pursued Krishna’s chariot and eventually caught up with him. Krishna would murder Rukmi after a brief duel when Rukmini pleaded with Krishna not to kill her brother. Krishna spared him but shaved his head.

Dhristaketu, Satyaketu, Sarabha, and Suketu were Shishupal’s four sons when he married another princess. Karenumati, a daughter he had with Nakula, was his other child. Yudhistira despatched Bhima to conquer Chedi when he chose to undergo the Rajasuya yagna. Shishupal relinquished control of his kingdom to Bhima and lavished homage on him. Bhima stopped at Chedi for many days before starting his military assault in the east.

Conclusion

Mahameghavahana was a magnificent designation or title given to the Chedi dynasty’s kings. As a result, the Mahameghavahana Family is also known as the Chedi dynasty of Kalinga. The rulers’ strength is reflected in the title. The appellation Mahameghavahana refers to the ‘Lord of the Great Clouds,’ who travels across the clouds. It’s possible that the rulers had the same power as Indra.