Shatananda

Shatananda is identified as the renowned eldest son of Gautama. His appearance at Mithilá links the arrival of Ráma and the other young prince with the account of Viśvámitra: Shatananda turns toward the holy man and offers to tell Ráma of his guide’s deeds and fate.

Identity and Introduction

After Viśvámitra’s own tale concludes, the narrative introduces Gautama’s eldest son as a figure of renown. The text gives no further account here of Shatananda’s family or position, but establishes his connection to Gautama and places him among the company receiving the princes.

Meeting Ráma and Viśvámitra

When Shatananda sees Ráma and the other youthful prince seated there, he feels delight and turns toward Viśvámitra. His response makes the meeting more than a formal recognition: he acknowledges that Ráma has gained an experienced sage to guide him in sacred rites.

Narrating the Sage’s Deeds

Shatananda offers to relate Viśvámitra’s deeds and fate to Ráma. The offer gives him a clear narrative role: he becomes the speaker who carries the account of the sage into the princes’ presence, directing attention from the recently completed tale to the life of their guide. The passage presents him as both a witness to Ráma’s arrival and a mediator of Viśvámitra’s story.