Kamadhenu, called Shabala in the Ramayana, is the wish-granting cow of the sage Vasishtha. King Vishwamitra's attempt to seize her begins his long rivalry with Vasishtha.
RoleDeity
Appears inRamayana
GroupDevas and divine beings
KingdomRishi ashrams
First appearsBala Kanda, Sarga 52
Sargas3 in the Valmiki Ramayana
Who was Kamadhenu?
When Vishwamitra visits as a king, Shabala produces a feast for his whole army. He offers vast wealth for her, but Vasishtha refuses, since she sustains all his rites.
When Vishwamitra's men try to drag her away, she breaks free, returns to Vasishtha and, at his word, creates armies of warriors who destroy the king's forces. This defeat drives Vishwamitra to seek a brahmin's power.
In the Valmiki Ramayana
Kamadhenu appears in 3 sargas across 1 Kandas.
First appearsBala Kanda · Sarga 52: At Vasishtha's Hermitage
Often seen with Kamadhenu
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