( In this name, the N is pronounced like 'n' in 'gun', TH is pronounced like 'th' in 'with', D is pronounced like 'th'in 'they' . )
Ranthideva was a king of the Bharatha dynasty. He was son of Sankrithi.
He was reckoned as one of the great ancient sixteen kings of India. In Drona parva, his greatness is described by Vyaasa to Yudhishthira. again, in shaanthi parva, Krishna told to Yudhishthira.
Bhaagavatham gives a brief story of this great king. Ranthideva was son of Sankrithi.
Ranthideva was known for his generousity in alms. He went on giving alms without time and limit. He gave away whatever he had and finally took to the forests with his family. He did not get anything to eat for forty eight days. On the next day, he found a meal of many sweets and many courses, kept ready to eat, in the shade of a tree. He was about to take it and eat alongwith his family members. In the last moment, a Braahmana appeared and asked for food. Ranthideva gave half the food and the Braahmana went satisfied. When the king was about to eat the remaining food, a Shoodra appeared and prayed for food. Ranthideva offerred a half of the remaining food and the Shoodra went satisfied. When the king was about to eat the remaining food, a person with a lot of gods following him appeared and requested for some food. Ranthideva gave away the entire food to him and he left satisfied. Soon a Chandaala appeared and asked for something. Then Ranthideva had only a small quantity of water with him. He gave the water to the Chandaala without the slightest hesitation or negative feeling.
Then the gods appeared before him and explained that they had tested him coming in the forms of Braahmana, Shoodra etc. Despite the gods offering, Ranthideva did not ask for any worldly benefits. Instead, he concentrated onthe ultimate status and attained it through his calm and steady meditation on the almighty.
Even today, Ranthideva is quoted as an example for sacrific and generousity.
"After praying to Naaraayana, Nara, Sarasvathi and Vyaasa, then one should read the Jayam."
DEDICATED TO MY DEAR NIECE VYSHNAVI KRISHNA