A king in Bharata’s dynasty as per Bhagavata Navamaskanda.

Another name for SHiva as per Mahabharata Anushasanaparva Chapter 17 verse 38.

A sage who attained salvation through his own efforts as per Mahabharata Shantiparva Chapter 26 verse 6.

A demon, also known as Ketuvan. He was born to Kashyapa and Danu. Seen as a planet, he had 33 brothers, most importantly Viprachitti, Shambara, Namuchi, Paloma, Asiloma, Keshi, Durjaya, Ayashiras, Ashwashiras, Ashwa, Shanku, Mahabala, Garga, Murdha, Vegavan, Manavan, Swarbhanu, Ashwapati, Vrikshaparva, Ajaka, Ashwagreeva, Sukshma, Tuhunda, Ekapat, Ekachakra, Virupaksha, Harahara, Nikumbha, Kapada, Sharabha, Shalabha, Surya, Chandratamas as per Mahabharata Adiparva Chapter 65. But Ketu was more attached to Kashyapa’s son from Simhika – Rahu. These two have always been considered unlucky planets. As per Agnipurana Chapter 51, Rahu wears the half moon and Ketu has a sword and a lamp in his hands. The Panchala warrior Amitauja was considered an incarnation of Ketu as per Mahabharata Adiparva Chapter 67 verse 11.

Pandanus. A flower worn by Shiva on his head. But it is ignored now. As per Devibhagavata Panchamaskanda, once in Satyayuga, Vishnu meditated in Shwetadweepa for divine happiness. Brahma also began meditating in another place for getting rid of desires. After a while, they began walking around for rest. They met and began arguing about each other’s prowess. Shiva then appeared between them in the form of a linga, and said that he who found either Shiva’s head or foot would be deemed better. Vishnu went downwards and Brahma upwards. Vishnu gave up after a long while and came back to the centre. Brahma continued upwards and then saw a pandanus falling downwards. He took it and claimed to have found Shiva’s head. Vishnu didn’t believe him and asked the flower to confirm it. The flower lied for Brahma. Shiva heard it and cursed the flower. From then on, the flower lost its status.

A famous snake. He once took the sage Chyavana to patala. Chyavana had visited the Nakuleshwaratheertha on the Narmada and was then bathing in the river. The snake started dragging him, but the sage prayed to Vishnu and the venom didn’t affect him. But the snake dragged him into patala and finally left him there since the venom was not effective. Chyavana went to Prahlad’s palace. As per Prahlad’s request, the sage told him about holy places and that was how Prahlad visited Naimisharanya as per Vamanapurana Chapter 8.

A sutavanshi king Kekaya is also mentioned in the Mahabharata. He married two Malava princesses. The elder one gave birth to Keechaka and Upakeechakas. The younger one gave birth to Sudeshna, who came to be known as Kaikeyi. Sudeshna was married to Matsya, the king of Virata as per Mahabharata Virataparva Chapter 16.

An ancient Indian kingdom. One of Dasarath’s wives was the daughter of the king of Kekaya. The kingdom was named after Kekaya. Its citizens are also known as Kekayas.

Antecedents: Vishnu – Brahma – Atri – Chandra – Budha – Pururavas – Ayus – Nahusha – Yayati – Anudruhyu – Sabhanara – Kalanara – Srinjaya – Ushinara – Shibi – Kekaya.

Shibi had four sons – Bhadra, Suvira, Kekaya, Vrishadarpa as per Bhagavata Navamaskanda. 5 Kekaya princes died battling Drona as per Mahabharata Sriparva Chapter 25 verse 25. Vinda and Anuvinda were two Kekaya warriors who fought at Duryodhana’s side as per Mahabharata Karnaparva Chapter 13. They were killed by Satyaki.

A warrior of Skanda who is mentioned in Mahabharata Shalyaparva Chapter 45 verse 75.

A sage who visited Bhishma when he was lying on the bed of arrows as per Mahabharata Shantiparva Chapter 47 verse 11.