Somadatta Gotra
सोमदत्त
About
A lunar lineage Gotra tracing descent through Soma (the Moon) and the sage Somadatta — meaning 'given by the Moon' or 'devoted to Soma.' The pravara Atri → Soma → Somadatta establishes the Chandravansha (lunar dynasty) foundation, with Atri as the primordial ancestor through whom the Moon itself was born. Somadatta is used by Chandravanshi Kshatriya communities who claim descent from the lunar dynasty through its many branches — including families in Bihar, Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. The Gotra carries the attributes of Soma: the nectar of immortality, poetic inspiration, and the cyclical renewal of life that the moon symbolises.
Founding Rishi
Soma
सोम
Pravara Lineage
The Pravara is a chain of most illustrious ancestors in this Gotra lineage:
Regional Spread
The Somadatta Gotra is predominantly found in:
Etymology
The name 'Somadatta' (सोमदत्त) is a Sanskrit compound of 'Soma' (the Moon, also the sacred drink) and 'datta' (given), meaning 'gift of the Moon' or 'bestowed by Soma.' It reflects the Chandravansha origin, where the Moon was born from Rishi Atri's mind. The name suggests one who received the Moon's blessings of poetic inspiration and cyclical renewal.
Historical Journey
The Somadatta gotra represents the Chandravanshi (lunar dynasty) lineage through Atri-Soma-Somadatta. The Moon was born from Rishi Atri's mind, making Atri the ultimate progenitor of the lunar dynasty. The Chandravansha produced the Puru and Yadu dynasties, from which the Kauravas, Pandavas, and Lord Krishna descended. In the Mahabharata, King Somadatta was a warrior on the Kaurava side — a grandson of King Pratipa. The Chandravanshi tradition became the foundation for numerous Kshatriya clans across northern and eastern India. During the medieval period, many Rajput and Kshatriya families claimed Chandravanshi descent through the Somadatta line.
Migration & Diaspora
The Chandravanshi tradition centred on Hastinapura and the Kuru-Panchala region. The Puru branch spread across the upper Gangetic plain, while the Yadu branch migrated westward. Somadatta-lineage families dispersed across Bihar and Bengal during the post-Mauryan period. In Rajasthan, Chandravanshi Rajput clans including the Bhatis of Jaisalmer claimed lunar descent. The eastern Gangetic plain became a major Chandravanshi heartland.
Presence Across Regions
Uttar Pradesh
Kshatriya (Chandravanshi)
The ancient Kuru-Panchala heartland. Somadatta families in the Doab and eastern UP.
Bihar
Kshatriya and Brahmin
Strong Chandravanshi presence in Magadh and Mithila.
West Bengal
Kshatriya and Kayastha
Chandravanshi lineage claims found among several Bengali communities.
Rajasthan
Rajput (Bhati, Jadeja)
Yaduvanshi and Chandravanshi Rajput clans trace lunar descent.
Notable Personalities
King Somadatta
Mahabharata period
A Kuru prince, grandson of Pratipa, who fought on the Kaurava side at Kurukshetra.
Bhurishravas
Mahabharata period
Son of Somadatta, a warrior of legendary skill killed by Satyaki at Kurukshetra.
Rishi Atri
Vedic period
The primordial ancestor from whose mind the Moon was born, establishing the entire lunar dynasty.
Stories & Legends
The Birth of the Moon from Atri's Mind
Rishi Atri performed intense tapas, and from his concentrated mental energy a brilliant light emerged — this became Soma, the Moon. Brahma placed the Moon in the heavens to provide light and govern the tides. From Soma descended the entire Chandravansha, including the Puru and Yadu dynasties.
Somadatta's Son at Kurukshetra
At Kurukshetra, Bhurishravas, son of King Somadatta, engaged in a legendary duel with Satyaki. When Bhurishravas had the upper hand, Arjuna intervened by severing his arm, allowing Satyaki to kill him. The incident became one of the most debated ethical questions of the war.
Ritual Significance
The Somadatta gotra follows the Yajurveda with the pravara Atri-Soma-Somadatta. Soma Puja (Moon worship) and Somvar Vrata (Monday fasts) are particularly significant. Marriage restrictions follow Atri-lineage sapravara rules.