Matanga or Dasakumara

Matanga was a Brahman referred in the Dasakumara who was killed while trying to preserve the life of another Brahman. Matanga was a man who was brought up as Brahmin but was the son of a Chandala.

There is a mythical story relating to the life of Matanga. He died in defence of a Brahman. That one virtuous act effaces all his former sins. In order to obtain elevation to the position of a Brahmin, he alarmed the gods. Indra refused to admit him.

Matanga continued again for a hundred years, but still Indra determinedly refused such an impossible request, and advised him to seek some other aid. Matanga did not change his words and like this he went on a thousand years longer, with the same result. Though dejected he did not despair, but proceeded to balance himself on his great toe. He continued to do this task for one hundred years. Then he was concentrated to skin and bone. Matanga was on the point of falling and Lord Indra went to hold him. However Lord Indra refused Matanga`s request. Indra gave him the power of moving about like a bird, and changing his shape at his will, and, a being honoured and renowned.

One day he arrived at Patala and met Kalindi, daughter of the king of Asuras. Matanga married her and became king of Patala.

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