Navaghana (late 11th century king)

Navaghana alias Khengara was a Chudasama King of Saurashtra[1][2] region of western India who reigned in the late 11th century.

Jayasimha's Dahod inscription (VS 1196/1140 CE) boasts that he imprisoned the king of Saurashtra; this is most probably a reference to his victory over Khengara.

The verses attributed to Ramachandra, disciple Hemachandra, in Prabandha-Chintamani of Merutunga, Jayasimha is referred as Giridurgamalla, i. e. the "Champion of the Giridurga or Junagadh".

[3][4][5] Jain chronicler Prabhachandra, in Prabhavaka-charitra, mentions that Jayasimha had first dispatched an army led by Kirtipala (brother of Kumarapala) to attack Navaghana.

[3][8] The bardic tales says that Navaghana was defeated and insulted by Jayasimha who compelled him on one occasion to take grass in his mouth and make submission.

[9] Navaghana had four sons; Shatrashalji, the founder of the houses of Bhadli, Sarva and Gamph; Devghanji and Savghanji who received the Osham Chorasi; and Khengara who succeeded him.

These were; to slay Harraj of Umeta, to destroy the fort of Bhoira, to break down the gate of Anahilapataka (Patan) and to split the cheeks of a Charan named Mesan who had spoken disrespectfully of him.

He then advanced to Umeta killed Harraj and washed his blade in the Mahi River and on his return he passed by Bhoira and broke down the fortress thereof.

When he returned to Junagadh, he sent for the Charan and filled his mouth with gold and jewels until he said, "My cheeks are split"; thus fulfilling the vow and afterwards he bestowed on him the village called after him Mesanka near Palitana.