Shambuka
Character in Hindu scripture / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Shambuka (Sanskrit: शम्बूक, IAST: śambūka) is a character in some editions of the Ramayana. Some say that the character and his story are an interpolation which is not found in the original Valmiki Ramayana but in a later addition called Uttara Kanda.[1][2][disputed – discuss]
According to this version, Shambuka, a shudra ascetic, was killed by the god Rama (protagonist of the Ramayana) for attempting to perform tapas (austerities) in violation of dharma, resulting in the bad karma which caused the death of a Brahmin's son.[3][4][5]
The story is regarded to be created at a later period.[6] While the Uttara Kanda (including Shambuka's tale) is generally regarded as a later interpolation to the original epic,[1][7] the Book is considered part of "ongoing Ramayana tradition" and part of the Valmiki Ramayana.[1][8]
Shambhuka is alluded in the epic Mahabharata; his story retold in some versions of the Ramayana.[9] In Jain literature, the story of Shambuka is different and he is Surpanakha’s son.[10]