Mātā Nandini's boon came true. Rānī Sudakṣiṇa was blessed with an heir to the noble race of Ikshvākus.

"As Indra rules Heaven," Rānī uttered,"So shall my son rule Earth."

As months passed, Mahārāja Dilīp provided her whatsoever she craved for.

One night, a maid brought the pleasing news to the great king, his son was born. Mahārāja Dileep was delighted to hear it and rushed to see his son. He received the fruit of his devotion towards Mātā Nandini.

Whole Koshal was full of joy, the palace echoed with the cheerful sounds of drums, artists of Ayodhya performed and sang praises of the king. The court felt like that of Indra's himself.

A priest came to perform the rites of birth, "May this child through sacred lore pass quickly, warring swiftly smite his foes!", praying this, named him 'Raghu'.
Thus begun the story of the greatest of Ikshvākus.

The Prince started growing & learning under his father's watch, who himself was a great archer, and the sole emperor. Young prince excelled the art of archery, versed all the 4 Oceans of knowledge under sages to become an unparalleled warrior.

By days, his strength increased as Sun's glow increases. Years passed away quickly, the child was now a man loved and revered by all his subjects. He was ready to sit on the throne of Koshal.

Mahārāja Dileep had one last wish to perform 100 Ashwamedh Yajnas. He expressed his desire to Rānī Sudakṣiṇa and other nobles in court, preparation begun, one after another, 99 Yajnas were completed successfully without much trouble.

Now, it was the time for 100th Yajna, Mahārāja was bit worried and so was Rānī Sudakṣiṇa, they knew that there would be some threat from Surpati himself. "Raghu",Mahārāja uttered,"Raghu shall lead the army this time."

Prince, who was busy in the preparations, was called. Seeing the faces of his parents, he realised why he had been called. Before they could say anything, "You need not to worry, father; I shall lead the army", said Raghu. King was proud of his son.

Yajna begun, the horse was set free to roam. One night, while they were taking rest, Indra came down and took the horse to his abode. A soldier, trembling in fear, came running to Raghu's camp, "Prince, the horse is gone."

Soldiers were looking for the horse, and suddenly Nandini who treated Raghu as son, came to him. She used to come to meet him regularly. With her blessings, Raghu could see what happened there, that Indra took the horse.

Raghu, with a voice piercing the skies, asked Indra, "King of Gods! Let the horse go which is very important for the sacred rites of my sire who seeks heaven's bliss; O highest Lord, you shouldn't spoil the offerings."

"Prince, your father wishes to rob me of my fame; I'm alone called Shatkratu, the lord of 100 sacrificial rites, and I shall protect it now.", Indra replied," Don't take the path same as the sons of Sagra."

"Take up your weapons", Raghu challenged Surpati. He shot arrows which took Indra off his elephant. This enraged Indra and the legendary battle begun. All the great Siddhas of animate and inanimate creation stood there to witness this awful battle.

Indra, with all his might, showered countless arrows, yet it wasn't enough to quench the courage of the solar born prince; cutting down all of them, Raghu with an arrow also cut Indra's bowstring. The highest God, filled in rage, laid down his bow.

Indra took the Vajra to slay his foe and hurled it at Raghu. The mighty prince fell on earth, everyone thought that he was slain, his army was full of grief, but wait; Raghu revived sustaining the assault, Indra's powers were defied.

The king of Gods said, " O Noble Prince, Only you have withstood my Vajra which mighty mountains couldn't face; I'm very pleased and I shall grant whatever you desire, except that horse."

"If you don't wish to let go the horse, let my father have full rewards of this sacred rite.", Raghu replied to Surpati, "Let it be known that my father has completed 100 Ashwamedhas."
Indra gave everything what Raghu desired.

Prince returned to Ayodhya, Mahārāja Dilīpa received him with great joy. Tales of his battle spread among the subjects who hailed their Prince. Mahārāja Dilīpa gave over the kingdom to his young Prince and following his ancestors, moved to the forest.

Mahārāja Raghu, the conqueror of whole earth, the greatest of the Ikshvāku Kings, was immortalized in the Suryavanshi race, which later called itself - Raghuvanshi.

Artwork: @thakranisaheb
Special thanks to @YogiSaptam !

@Vyasonmukh @vaidehi_sing @Maverickmusafir