Lunar dynasty

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The Lunar Dynasty, also called Candravaṃśa, is a legendary Indian royal line said to be descended from the Moon god, Chandra.

Origins and early rulers
- Pururavas is described as the son of Budha and Ila. Ila is a gender-shifting figure born as the daughter of Manu.
- Pururavas’s great-grandson Yayati had five sons: Yadu, Turvasu, Druhyu, Anu, and Puru. These names are linked to ancient Vedic tribes.
- In some tells, Ila ruled from Prayaga and had a son Shashabindu who ruled Bahli.
- Pururavas became the first ruler of the Chandravamsha, the Lunar dynasty, and Ila’s descendants were also called the Ailas.

Kurukshetra War and after
- In the Mahabharata, the Kurukshetra War is mainly fought between rival branches of the Lunar dynasty.
- Krishna reminds Arjuna that dharma (duty and righteousness) is supreme, an idea that underpins the story for all four Kshatriya houses.
- By the end of the war, much of the Yaduvamsha line is in danger. The city of Dvārakā sinks, destroying most of the Yaduvamsha, except Vajra, who is saved by Arjuna and later becomes the King of Mathura.