Who was King (Raja) Harishchandra?

Asked 25-Apr-2023
Updated 15-May-2023
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King Harishchandra is a legendary figure in Indian mythology, who is renowned for his honesty, integrity, and devotion to truth. He is considered to be one of the most virtuous kings in Indian history and is revered as a symbol of righteousness and morality.

According to the legend, Harishchandra was the son of a great sage named Vishwamitra. He inherited his father's wisdom and righteousness and became the king of Ayodhya, a prosperous kingdom in ancient India. He was known for his just and fair rule, and his subjects loved and respected him.

Who was King Raja Harishchandra

However, his life took a dramatic turn when he was tested by the gods. One day, the gods disguised themselves as Brahmins and visited Harishchandra's kingdom, seeking his help. They requested him to donate his entire kingdom to them, which Harishchandra agreed to without hesitation.

However, the gods then demanded that Harishchandra pay a large sum of money as a donation, which he could not afford. They then offered to buy his wife and son as slaves, which Harishchandra reluctantly agreed to. He sold his wife and son to the gods and paid the donation.

But the gods were not satisfied yet and demanded that Harishchandra work as a cremation ground worker to repay his debt. Harishchandra agreed to this too and worked as a cremation ground worker, facing many hardships and challenges along the way.

Eventually, his devotion to truth and his unwavering faith in God impressed the gods, and they returned his wife and son to him and restored his kingdom. Harishchandra lived the rest of his life as a just and fair ruler, revered by his subjects and remembered as a symbol of honesty and integrity.

The story of King Harishchandra is often seen as a metaphor for the importance of truth and morality in human life. It teaches us that honesty and integrity are essential qualities that we must uphold, even in the face of adversity and hardship. Harishchandra's unwavering devotion to truth and his willingness to sacrifice everything for it is an inspiration to people all over the world, and his story continues to be told and retold to this day.