📖 The Story of king Harishchandra

Chapter 1: The King of Truth

Long ago, in the land of Ayodhya, there ruled a king named Harishchandra, of the solar dynasty (Suryavanshi). He was no ordinary king—he was famed for his courage, generosity, and above all, his unwavering commitment to truth (Satya).

The people of Ayodhya loved him deeply. His rule was just, his heart was kind, and his word was considered as firm as the scriptures themselves.

Harishchandra’s queen was Shaivya (Taramati), equally noble, and they had a young son named Rohitashva. Together they lived happily, worshipping the gods, protecting their people, and upholding dharma.

But greatness is often tested by trial. And the gods themselves decided to test Harishchandra’s devotion to truth.

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Chapter 2: Vishwamitra’s Test

One day, the mighty sage Vishwamitra approached Harishchandra’s court. The king rose from his throne, bowed with humility, and welcomed the sage.

Harishchandra: “O revered one, what brings you to my humble court? Ask, and whatever you desire shall be yours.”

Vishwamitra’s eyes glowed. He replied, “O king, you have promised me a boon. I ask not for gold, nor jewels, but for your entire kingdom.”

The court fell silent. Ministers exchanged worried glances. But Harishchandra, bound by his vow, did not flinch.

Harishchandra: “So be it. This kingdom, which is but dust before dharma, is yours.”

And with folded hands, he stepped down from his throne. Vishwamitra, testing him further, said:
“You gave me your kingdom, but a king must also give dakshina (sacrificial fee) when granting a gift. You owe me that as well.”

Harishchandra: “What shall I give as dakshina?”

Vishwamitra replied sternly, “A sum of money, to be paid within a month. If you fail, you and your family will be enslaved.”

Without hesitation, Harishchandra agreed. He, his queen, and his son left the palace with nothing but simple clothes, setting out into the world to earn the dakshina.

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Chapter 3: The Hard Journey

Days turned to weeks. Harishchandra sold his ornaments, his possessions, and yet he could not gather enough to satisfy the sage’s demand.

Weary, the family arrived in the holy city of Varanasi (Kashi). But Vishwamitra appeared again, reminding him of the debt.

Unable to pay, Harishchandra made a heartbreaking choice. He sold his wife Shaivya and his son Rohitashva into slavery, placing them in the service of a cruel Brahmin. Tears filled his eyes, but he stood firm—truth demanded sacrifice.

Still, the money was not enough. Finally, Harishchandra sold himself. He was purchased by the keeper of the cremation grounds, and his duty became the harshest of all—collecting fees from grieving families who came to perform the last rites of their dead.

The once-great king, who had ruled over golden palaces, now lived in rags, tending funeral pyres, surrounded by smoke and ashes.

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Chapter 4: The Queen’s Sorrow

Meanwhile, Shaivya served her master tirelessly, while young Rohitashva endured hunger and cruelty. Yet they never cursed fate, for they knew their husband and father lived only for truth and dharma.

One day, tragedy struck. Their little son Rohitashva fell ill. Despite Shaivya’s desperate care, the boy died in her arms. Heartbroken, she carried his small body to the cremation ground, where Harishchandra stood guard.

Not recognizing her at first through the haze of grief, Harishchandra stopped her.

Harishchandra: “Woman, you cannot perform the rites without paying the fee.”

Shaivya, trembling, replied, “My lord, I have no money. I am but a slave. Please… this is my son. Allow me to cremate him.”

Then Harishchandra looked closely—and recognized his wife, holding their dead child. His soul tore apart, but his duty chained him still.

Harishchandra: “I swore never to break the law of truth. Even if my heart bleeds, I must collect the fee. Such is dharma.”

Shaivya wept bitterly, “O husband, is there no mercy? Must truth demand the ashes of our son?”

Harishchandra, with shaking hands, answered, “Truth is above all. If I falter now, all my sacrifices will be in vain. Yet my heart is shattered.”

The sight was unbearable even for the gods.

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Chapter 5: Divine Intervention

As the grief of the king and queen echoed across the heavens, the gods descended. Vishwamitra himself appeared, no longer stern but radiant with compassion.

Vishwamitra: “Harishchandra, your test is complete. Never have I seen such steadfastness. You sacrificed kingdom, wealth, wife, and child—yet never wavered from truth. You are indeed the greatest of kings.”

The gods blessed Rohitashva, who was restored to life. Shaivya’s tears turned to joy.

Indra, king of heaven, appeared and said,
“Harishchandra, by your virtue, you have earned a place in heaven. Your name shall live as long as truth is revered. Come, ascend to the celestial realms.”

But Harishchandra bowed and replied,
“My duty as king was to protect my people. How can I enter heaven while they remain on earth?”

Impressed by his selflessness, the gods restored his kingdom. Harishchandra, his queen, and son returned to Ayodhya, where he ruled with even greater justice and compassion.

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Chapter 6: The Legacy of Truth

Under Harishchandra’s reign, the land flourished. His story spread across the ages, inspiring countless generations. He became the shining symbol of Satya (truth) and Dharma (righteousness).

The sages declared:
“Truth may be tested by fire, but it shines brighter after trial. Harishchandra is the eternal flame of truth.”

And so, his name endures in history—not as a king of riches or conquests, but as the King of Truth, who proved that integrity is greater than life itself.

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