( the D in this name is pronounced like a hardened sound of 'th' in 'brother' and 'th' like 'th' in 'with'.)
An ancient king of India. He was said to have been, as an infant, fed by Indra himself, allowing him to chew his finger and saying "the boy will drink me" ( maam= me, dhaatha=drinks), hence his name.
He was very famous. Raavana was said to have challenged Maandhaatha who was on his way to the heaven after his death but could not defeat him.
His story was described in the Mahaabhaaratham in the Aaranyaka, Udyoga Shaanthi parvas and in the Mahaabhaagavatham too. Also, Naarada mentioned his name to Yudhishthira in Svargaarohana parva, while praising him .
"After praying to Naaraayana, Nara, Sarasvathi and Vyaasa, then one should read the Jayam."
DEDICATED TO MY DEAR NIECE VYSHNAVI KRISHNA