Dasharatha (Sanskrit: दशरथ, IAST: Daśaratha) is a masculine given name of Sanskrit origin, meaning "ten chariots" from daśan ("ten") and ratha ("chariot"). It is known primarily from the Hindu epic Ramayana, where Dasharatha is the king of Kosala and father of the hero Rama. Etymology and Significance The name is a compound of Sanskrit daśan (दशन्), meaning "ten", and ratha (रथ), meaning "chariot". According to legend, Dasharatha was originally named Nemi, but he earned the epithet Dasharatha because his chariot could move in all ten directions and fly through the skies, allowing him to fight with ease. This name thus reflects his extraordinary martial prowess. Legendary Figure In the Ramayana, Dasharatha is the king of Kosala, ruling from the capital Ayodhya. He is an incarnation of Manu, the son of Brahma. He was born to King Aja of Kosala and Indumati of Vidarbha. Dasharatha had three queens: Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi. Through them, he had four sons: Rama (from Kausalya), Bharata (from Kaikeyi), and the twins Lakshmana and Shatrughna (from Sumitra). His story is central to the epic, as his promise to Kaikeyi leads to Rama's exile. Dasharatha also finds mention in the Vishnu Purana and other Hindu scriptures, where his role as a pious and tragic king is emphasized. Historical and Cultural Influence The Dasharatha Maurya, the mythological grandfather of Emperor Ashoka, is sometimes referenced separately, though distinct from the epic figure. The name continues to be used in modern India and among South Asian communities, often reflecting the enduring popularity of the Ramayana narrative. Meaning: "Ten chariots" Origin: Sanskrit Type: First name Usage Regions: South Asia (especially India and Nepal)