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The story of King Harishchandra is one of the most famous tales from the Hindu epics, and it is a powerful example of the importance of truth, integrity, and the righteous way of living.
Characters in the story:
King Harishchandra: King Harishchandra is a legendary king in Hindu legends known for his unwavering commitment to truth and honesty, even in the face of great adversity.
Vishwamitra: Vishwamitra is a revered sage and seer in Hindu scriptures, known for his ascetic practices, spiritual knowledge, and role in several important events in Hindu epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata.
According to the legend, Harishchandra was a king of the Ikshvaku dynasty and ruled the kingdom of Ayodhya. He was a wise and just king who ruled his kingdom with great compassion and fairness.
One day, the sage Vishwamitra, a revered sage who is known for his great spiritual knowledge and his ability to perform powerful austerities, was impressed by Harishchandra’s reputation for being a just and fair king, and he wanted to test his devotion to truth.
Vishwamitra decided to perform a grand sacrifice (yagna) and needed a king to act as its patron. He approached King Harishchandra and asked him to donate all his wealth and belongings to the yagna. Harishchandra agreed, but Vishwamitra kept demanding more and more, until Harishchandra had nothing left to give.
Vishwamitra then demanded that Harishchandra sell his wife and son to a Brahmin, to continue funding the yagna. Harishchandra, being a righteous and dutiful king, agreed to this as well, and sold his wife and son to the Brahmin.
But Vishwamitra wasn’t done yet. He then demanded that Harishchandra himself work as a servant in the yagna, to pay off the remaining debt. Harishchandra, being a dutiful and righteous king, accepted the request without any hesitation. He did not think twice about his status or dignity and started working as a servant in the yagna. He did all the menial tasks, including cleaning and cooking, without any complaints.
Harishchandra’s willingness to work as a servant despite being a king showed his devotion to his duty and his determination to fulfill his obligations, no matter how challenging they may be. His actions demonstrated the values of humility, selflessness, and sacrifice.
Vishwamitra was impressed with Harishchandra’s unwavering dedication to his duty and his commitment to truth and honesty. He revealed himself and praised Harishchandra for passing the test. Vishwamitra then blessed Harishchandra, restored his kingdom to him, and gave him back his wife and son.
And Harishchandra lived the rest of his life as a shining example of the power of truth and integrity, inspiring generations of people to come.
The story of King Harishchandra is a reminder that no matter how difficult things may seem, we must always stay true to our values and our principles. It shows us that when we remain committed to truth and integrity, even in the face of great adversity, we will ultimately be rewarded and vindicated.
