Tale of King Harishchandra English & Hindi (Kahani raja Harishchandra ki )

King Harish Chandra was a legendary figure in Hindu mythology. His name is widely recognized because of his unwavering commitment to truth. He belonged to the lineage of Lord Rama. The story of Harishchandra is about a king who always spoke the truth. The narrative portrays his dedication to honesty and virtue, even in extreme challenges. If you are interested in reading the story of King Harishchandra, it is available in English & Hindi. Hindu mythology story King Harishchandra. Indian mythology stories

King Harishchandra

indian mythology stories. Raja Harishchandra's story in English.

Table of Contents.

1. Introduction

   - Treta Yuga and Ayodhya's Rule

   - King Harishchandra's Virtuous Reputation

2. Harishchandra's Virtues

   - Commitment to Righteousness

   - Respect for Sage Vasishtha

   - Generosity and Rituals

3. Vasishtha's Praise and Vishwamitra's Challenge

   - Vasishtha's Assertion

   - Vishwamitra's Opposition and Oath

4. Divine Intervention

   - Divine Plan for Revealing Harishchandra's Virtues

   - Vishwamitra's Misunderstandings

5. Harishchandra's Dilemma

   - Encounter with a Young Ascetic

   - Vishwamitra's Intervention and Possession

6. Vishwamitra's Test

   - Vishwamitra's Challenge

   - Harishchandra's Generosity

7. Dream or Reality?

   - Vishwamitra's Manipulation

   - Harishchandra's Charitable Declarations

8. Harishchandra's Sacrifice.

   - Impact on Harishchandra's Kingdom

   - Harishchandra's Resolve and Sacrifice

9.Harishchandra's Reflections

   - Harishchandra's Inner Struggles

   - Shavya's Support and Understanding

10. Vishwamitra's Return and Resolution.

    - Vishwamitra's Demands

    - Harishchandra's Acknowledgment and Compliance

11. Dream Unraveled.

    - Harishchandra's Awakening

    - Harishchandra's Public Declaration

12. Conclusion.

    - Harishchandra's Continued Rule

    - Impact on Celestial Deities

    - Harishchandra's Journey to Kashi

Story : 

In the era of Treta Yuga, Ayodhya was ruled by King Harishchandra. He was the undisputed emperor of the entire Earth, known for his unwavering commitment to righteousness. His reputation echoed in all three realms, and his name was synonymous with virtuous conduct, generosity, and unwavering truthfulness. Deities were pleased with him, and under his rule, the subjects lived contentedly without facing famine or disease.

People were devout in their worship, prosperous, and powerful, yet devoid of arrogance. King Harishchandra treated everyone with equal regard and love, performing numerous rituals and sacrifices. The most remarkable aspect of his character was his steadfast commitment to truth; he was never swayed by falsehood.

His chief priest was the venerable sage Vasishtha, whose guidance governed the king's actions. Harishchandra respected Vasishtha immensely, and their mutual reverence was evident in their interactions. During a royal sacrifice, Harishchandra greatly donated Vasishtha, further elevating the sage's fame. Even in the celestial assembly of Indra, Vasishtha held a special place due to his role as Harishchandra's chief priest.

In that assembly, a discussion arose about who among mortals was the greatest donor, most righteous, and the staunchest advocate of truth. Vasishtha proclaimed, "In the entire universe, my patron, King Harishchandra, stands alone in these virtues. He conducted the Rajasuya Yajna and donated so generously that words cannot adequately describe it. There is no one as truthful, benevolent, religious, and pleasing to the subjects as Harishchandra. I assert from my heart that a ruler like him, possessing supreme righteousness, valor, generosity, and truthfulness, has never existed before and will never exist again."

The deities present at the sacrifice endorsed Vasishtha's statements. The divine play of the gods is indeed marvelous, as they choose when, how, and through whom to manifest their intentions. At that moment, the divine beings contemplated revealing Harishchandra's glory, reputation, and commitment to truth to the entire world. In a whimsical turn of events, a divine play was set in motion.

The hearts of the assembled sages, including Vishwamitra, were stirred with such emotions that Vasishtha's praise of Harishchandra seemed like Vasishtha praising himself. For, a master so devout must undoubtedly have an equally illustrious servant.

The divine plan was set into motion, demonstrating the awe-inspiring nature of Harishchandra's character, virtues, and unwavering commitment to truth. Vasishtha, by describing his importance, has insulted us, especially me, as I am his old adversary. Due to the competition, Vishwamitra started perceiving reasons in his mind that were not even there in Vasishtha's mind. Regarding Harishchandra, Vishwamitra thought that he is a true righteous king, and only a slight difficulty would make him deviate from righteousness and truth.

Vishwamitra opposed Vasishtha in a grand assembly, stating, "Vasishtha has sung false praises of Harishchandra. They live with him, eat his food, and sing his praises. I know Harishchandra well; when did he become righteous? If righteousness fills his heart, I can make him deviate in an instant. What does he possess?"

The deities argued, "O King! What are you saying? Can the words of Sage Vasishtha ever be untrue? We know that Harishchandra is truly righteous." Vishwamitra declared, "Vasishtha does not speak the truth; I will prove it. Let them decide. If I am right, Harishchandra's accumulated merits through study and penance will be lost, and if they are right, my merits will be lost."

Vishwamitra confidently made this oath, and then he left the divine assembly. Vasishtha, Indra, and others remained silent, thinking about the divine play that was unfolding. One day, King Harishchandra was wandering in the forests when he saw a young ascetic crying out, "Protect me, protect me!"

From a distance, he said, "Fear not, who dares to commit injustice during my reign?" He hurried towards the source of the voice. At that moment, Vighnaraja thought that Vishwamitra was performing formidable austerities. He wanted to bring under his control the sciences that even great deities could not master. These sciences were getting perturbed by his intense penance. If he could enter Harishchandra's body, he could interrupt Vishwamitra's meditation and bring these sciences under his control.

Vighnaraja entered Harishchandra's body, and Harishchandra reached the young ascetic. Now, Harishchandra was possessed. He approached the ascetic and said, "Who sinful being is lighting a fire within their clothing? If my arrows with sharp points touch him, he will be pierced, and he will have to seek refuge in a long sleep (death)."

Hearing this, the ascetic disappeared in fear. Vishwamitra was performing penance nearby. Upon hearing Harishchandra's words, he became furious. Seeing Vishwamitra's anger, the ascetic disappeared, and Harishchandra trembled in fear. His possession was lifted. Seeing the enraged Vishwamitra, Harishchandra became nervous. Vishwamitra scolded him, "Wicked soul! Pause for a moment; now I will make you taste the flavor of your pride." Then, Harishchandra, with great humility, touched the feet of the sage and said, "O sage! I have committed no offense." "I must run to the aid of someone in distress. The two duties of a king are charity and protection. The third is to engage in war when necessary. Consider my situation," said Harishchandra. Vishwamitra, now calm, asked, "O king! First, tell me who should receive charity, whose protection should be ensured, and with whom should one engage in war?" Harishchandra replied, "Brahmins and the destitute are fit for charity, those in fear are worthy of protection, and those obstructing these tasks are fit for war."

Vishwamitra said, "O king! Just as you made efforts to protect someone in fear, could you also give me charity? I wish to perform a yajna, and you can provide the Dakshina (gift)." Delighted by Harishchandra's generosity, Vishwamitra said, "O Lord! What can I give you? Surely tell me, and understand that whatever you desire, I am ready to provide. Gold, sons, wife, body, life, kingdom, city, wealth – whatever you ask, I can give." Vishwamitra was amazed by Harishchandra's charitable nature. He struggled to find words and finally said, "O king! When I need something, I will ask you. For now, go back to your capital and attend to your duties."

After Harishchandra left, Vishwamitra began contemplating how he had a dispute with Vasishtha regarding Harishchandra in the assembly of the gods. Today, suddenly, he faced an obstacle in his meditation. If the goddess overseeing penance was crying, what did it mean for Harishchandra? However, suddenly, he jumped with joy. Witnessing Harish Chandra's generosity, he realized that he could humiliate him.

He transformed a demon into a formidable boar and sent it to Harishchandra's capital. The terrifying boar entered the royal garden of Ayodhya, causing havoc. The gods were frightened, and the boar destroyed the groves and flowers without fear. Despite numerous attacks by the soldiers, it remained unafraid, digging and uprooting plants. When the soldiers could not drive it away, they went frightened to King Harishchandra and said, "Why are you so scared? What fear has befallen you? Tell us; whose death is imminent? How big is the threat? Is it a god, a demon? I will gather information right away."

Harishchandra, seeing their fear, said, "Brothers! Why are you so afraid? What threat looms over you? Tell me; whose death is approaching? How big is it? Is it a god or a demon? I will get information immediately." The gods said, "O Lord! It is neither a demon nor a danava. It is a huge and mighty boar. We have tried to attack it with arrows, stones, and sticks, but it does not fear them. Instead, it aggressively attacks us, and our courage fails in front of it." Upon hearing this, Harishchandra mounted his horse, commanding his soldiers to accompany him. Observing the devastated garden, he saw the boar still causing havoc. He aimed an arrow at it, but the boar dodged, escaping unharmed. Harishchandra chased it, and for a brief moment, it appeared before him but vanished quickly, leading him deep into a dense forest, where his army lost track.

In the thick forest, Harishchandra soon grew tired due to the long pursuit and intense heat. Hungry and thirsty, he became distressed. Having lost his way in the unknown jungle, he felt helpless. Unsure of which direction to take, he pondered on how to proceed in this unfamiliar forest and who would assist him. After a while, he noticed a pristine river flowing nearby, surrounded by beautiful trees, offering a perfect place for rest. Harishchandra dismounted, gave water to his horse, and, securing it to a tree, quenched his own thirst from the river. After refreshing himself, he considered returning to his capital but was now disoriented and unsure of the path.

At that moment, an old Brahmin, disguised as a sage, approached him. The king greeted him and sought his guidance. The Brahmin blessed him and then inquired, "O King! How did you venture into this dense forest alone? What brings you here? Please be seated and share your story." Harishchandra narrated his tale, and the Brahmin responded, advising him, "O King! This forest is vast and sacred. Taking a bath here and offering prayers can cleanse you of many sins. It's an auspicious time, and I am a Brahmin worthy of charity. If you wish for wealth or desire to perform a yajna, come to Ayodhya. I will provide you with abundant riches."

Harish Chandra was pleased to meet the Brahmin and expressed his gratitude. He said, "Your guidance is invaluable. I am fortunate to have encountered you. Otherwise, I would have wandered aimlessly in this jungle. If you desire wealth, and wish to perform a yajna, come to Ayodhya. I will bestow upon you great riches." The Brahmin then offered to guide Harishchandra back to his capital, promising assistance. Harishchandra, placing trust in the Brahmin's words, bathed in the sacred river. As he emerged from the water, his mindset changed, and he became entirely subservient to Vishwamitra's magic. Vishwamitra's enchantment over Harishchandra was complete.

The king said, "Lord! Whatever you desire, ask for it. Cows, land, gold, elephants, horses—whatever you wish, you can request. I possess nothing that I cannot give you." Vishwamitra, disguised as an old Brahmin, replied, "O King! I have heard of your great fame in the world. Vasishta himself has stated that there is no giver on Earth like Harishchandra. He has said, and it will remain true forever. Therefore, I request you to provide ample wealth for my son's wedding."

Harish Chandra agreed to provide the wealth for the wedding without hesitation. Vishwamitra then extended his magic, and a beautiful ten-year-old girl and a handsome young boy appeared. Vishwamitra announced, "Today, their wedding ceremony will take place. One who helps in such a marriage gains more merit than even from a Rajasuya Yajna." Harishchandra, influenced by Vishwamitra's magic, agreed to give away his wealth without a second thought.

The marriage preparations began, and Vishwamitra, taking Harishchandra along, reached the hermitage. Amid the marriage rituals, Vishwamitra suggested, "O King! Whatever you wish to give, present it to the bride and groom in this sacred marriage altar." Harishchandra, still under the spell, said, "Lord! What do you desire? Clearly tell me what you want. I will not withhold my strength." Vishwamitra, controlling Harishchandra with his magic, said, "O King! Give away your kingdom along with elephants, horses, chariots, jewels, and all belongings."

Harishchandra, deeply captivated, without contemplating, uttered 'Given.' Vishwamitra then asked for additional offerings, specifying, "In the scriptures, it is mentioned that for charity to be effective, an additional gift called Dakshina is essential. Swayambhu Manu has said that charity without Dakshina is fruitless. Therefore, give some more as Dakshina." Harish Chandra, still under the influence, asked, "What is the appropriate Dakshina? Tell me!" Vishwamitra replied, "Two and a half times the weight of gold."

In a state of bewilderment, Harishchandra said, "I will give." He was astonished at himself, not understanding how he was making such declarations. At that moment, the soldiers who had lost track of the king in the forest arrived, searching for him. They found Harishchandra at the hermitage and praised him. However, at that time, the king remained silent. With Vishwamitra's permission, they accompanied Harishchandra back towards his capital.  

Expressing something is very simple, but acting according to it is quite challenging. The difference between ordinary individuals and great personalities lies in the fact that ordinary people, when faced with difficulties, often get swayed by their words. On the other hand, great personalities, even in adversity, captivity, and even when expressing virtuous words in dreams, remain steadfast and unwavering. Dharma is truth, and truth is dharma. Truth opposing dharma is not truth, and dharma opposing truth is not dharma.

Harishchandra had spoken about giving away his entire wealth, even if it meant expressing it reluctantly. He had no concern for himself. He was content to fulfill his pledge of donating all his possessions. However, upon returning to the capital, he became deeply troubled by the thought of what to say to his virtuous wife, Shavya. How could he pacify his little son Rohitashva? Harishchandra was not lured by wealth, nor was he attached to his kingdom. He could sacrifice his own body, but he could not bear to see Shavya and Rohitashva in distress. He contemplated that Shavya should be sent to her parents' home, Rohit would stay there, and he would dedicate his life to the feet of those ascetic Brahmins. What more was there to do?

Shavya was not an ordinary woman; she was an ideal virtuous wife, and her soul was merged with the soul of Harishchandra. It could be said that their bodies were two, but their souls were one. When she returned from the forest and began to serve her husband herself, Harishchandra could no longer hide his true feelings. He thought, "When my lord used to return from outside, there used to be joy on his face, his eyes were filled with love, and his embraces showered blessings. What has happened today? Why is there sadness and worry on my husband's face?" Shavya asked, "My lord, why are you so sad today? Have you been unable to give charity as per someone's wishes? Has something happened that the memory of God is not present while doing a task? Have you insulted any living being with your actions, words, or thoughts? Have you said something that is doubtful to fulfill? My lord, do not hide anything from me. I am troubled to see your concern. I cannot understand why you are worried. There is no pain in your body, my Rohit is well, I am here in front of you, yet why is there such worry on your face?"

Harishchandra said, "Beloved, by the grace of God, there is no obstacle in my religious duties. Yesterday, in the forest, I gave all my wealth to a sage. Now, my concern is how I can be his servant, but how can I keep you and Rohitashva as his servants? This is becoming unbearable for me. At that time, I was almost spellbound, I had no wisdom, but in any way, I gave charity, and now I have to manage it with joy."

"What is wealth but a fleeting possession, and how long does this kingdom last? Dear one, these are just transient pleasures that last for a few days. Today they are here, tomorrow they are not. If, by renouncing them, we can attain eternal virtues like righteousness, then what value is there in holding onto them? Now, let us all immerse ourselves in practicing righteousness with patience."

Shavya said, "Lord! This is indeed a great blessing. While living among the rulers of the kingdom, we could not fully remember God. I had to stay apart from you, and I was deprived of serving you. Now, God has provided a beautiful opportunity. Now, I can continuously stay in your presence and serve you. What is the value of kingdom or wealth? Their use has been so noble, and this is a matter of great joy."

Upon hearing Shavya's words, Harishchandra's worries were alleviated. He began to secretly praise her and thought, "She is truly an ideal wife. Her desire is in line with mine, her happiness is my happiness, and in every way, witnessing the benevolence of God in every act – what more could I ask for? I will serve her throughout my life, not separate from her; this is all I desire." Night fell, and both Harishchandra and Shavya went to sleep.

The next day, Harishchandra had not even retired from his daily duties when a messenger came and delivered the news, "Maharaj! A great sage has arrived. He claims that the kingdom belongs to him. Go quickly and ask Maharaj what his command is." Harishchandra went, welcomed the sage, and seated him on a high throne, performing worship. Vishwamitra said, "O king! Yesterday, you gave your entire kingdom to me. You are truly truthful and righteous. Now fulfill your promise. Leave the kingdom and, for me, arrange two and a half times the weight in gold."

Harishchandra said, "Lord! The kingdom is indeed yours; take control of it. I have already given it to you. As for the two and a half times the weight in gold, I request it now." Harishchandra gestured towards the treasurer.

When the treasurer, holding the gold, arrived, Vishwamitra asked, "Where did this gold come from? Did it come from the royal treasury? Harish Chandra, are you deceiving me? When you gave me the kingdom, was there any treasury left? What is the meaning of giving me gold from my own treasury? Have you deviated from your promise?"

"If you cannot give, then don't. I have renounced it," said Vishwamitra. Hearing Vishwamitra's words, Harishchandra, with great distress, said, "Forgive me, forgive me. I have committed a grave mistake. I accept my error. This treasury is yours. Treasurer! Take the gold back and keep it in the original treasury. Lord! I don't have the gold at the moment, please give me some time, I will definitely arrange it for you."

Vishwamitra said, "First of all, now that this kingdom is mine, the earth is yours; you have no right to stay in it anymore. Remove the ornaments you are wearing and, along with your wife and son, wear bark clothes and leave from here immediately. I do not know the concept of time; fulfill your promise."

The king, thinking it's better to lose the entire kingdom than to break his vow, agreed and said, "Lord! I have dedicated my entire kingdom to your feet. Now, I have nothing; everything belongs to you." Vishwamitra praised Harishchandra and requested for dakshina to complete the sacrifice.

At this moment, Harishchandra's soul, which had left the royal palace, returned, and he woke up to realize that he had been sleeping in his palace. It was all a dream. Before him, the events of the dream started replaying – the sage's hermitage, his face, and his name Vishwamitra. He thought, "Even if it's just a dream, I have given away my kingdom. Now I am not a king, and I have no ownership of the kingdom. Using it would be sinful for me."

The next day, in the royal court, in front of ministers and council members, Harishchandra narrated the entire story. The ministers said, "What is the proof of a dream? People see, hear, and say all kinds of things in dreams. If everyone starts acting upon them, there will be chaos in the world. Forget these things and govern the kingdom as before."

Harishchandra rejected the ministers' advice and said, "I have definitely donated in a dream, but the donation is made. I can never go back on this. The kingdom belongs to those great souls. I do not know the location of their hermitage, so until their location is found, I will continue to rule the kingdom. However, send people to find their location, and from today, let the seal be imprinted with their names. They will be the masters of the kingdom, and I will be their servant."  Harishchandra, following Vishwamitra's command, sent messengers to find him and changed the royal seal. The news of this event spread throughout the assembly hall.

Gradually, Vishwamitra arrived in the assembly hall, and upon seeing him, Harishchandra's face lit up. He exclaimed, "Here they are! The ones to whom I donated the kingdom in my dream, the true masters of this realm, have come themselves. What divine grace! They have heeded my dream."

 Welcoming Vishwamitra, Harishchandra offered him a seat on the royal throne. Vishwamitra questioned, "Harishchandra! Among truth-tellers, you have gained great fame. But how is it possible that last night you gave away the kingdom in charity and today you are seated as the king?" Harishchandra showed him the seal with Vishwamitra's name and assured him of fulfilling the promised dakshina, and then left the palace with his wife and son.

Wearing bark clothes and barefoot, Harishchandra, along with Shivyaa and Rohitaashva, walked out of the palace, causing an uproar in Ayodhya. People pleaded with him not to leave, expressing their loyalty and asking him to take them along. Some requested him to stay a little longer, saying they wanted to see him once more. The sight of Harishchandra, who was considered a righteous king, walking barefoot with his family, touched everyone's hearts.

Vishwamitra intervened and said, "Harishchandra! You are still here? Quickly leave. The earth, which has been given away in charity, should not be enjoyed. Oh, and one thing you didn't mention - when will you give me the remaining dakshina? How many days should I wait for you?" Harishchandra replied, "Lord, I currently have nothing. If you grant me a month's leave, I will surely arrange the Dakshina for you."

Vishwamitra agreed and warned, "Alright. Go, but if you fail to give the complete dakshina on the agreed day, I will turn you to ashes." Harishchandra accepted with folded hands.

As they started to leave, the citizens surrounded them. Everyone pleaded, "O King! We, along with our children, wealth, and everything else, will forsake all and follow you. Where you stay, we will stay; your abode is our city, and wherever you are, there is our heaven."

Hearing the heartfelt words of the people, Harishchandra felt a surge of affection in his heart. Witnessing their sorrow, he became saddened himself. He began to explain, "By following me, your hardships will increase, and my dilemma will also intensify. You will suffer, and I will suffer more. Stay here, uphold righteousness, and let us both follow our duties. Life is meant only for righteousness. Trust in God, who does all things well."

 While Harishchandra was still explaining, Vishwamitra returned and started admonishing him again. Anger filled Harishchandra's eyes, and he said, "You have become corrupt, speaking lies and deceiving. After giving charity, you plot against the people. Stay here and practice righteousness. We will also reside somewhere and follow our dharma. Life is solely for the pursuit of righteousness. Worship God and have faith in Him."

 As Harishchandra was about to leave, Vishwamitra reproached him once more. Harishchandra, in anger, grabbed Shivyaa's hand and began walking away. The celestial deities in the sky were moved by this scene. They declared, "Vishwamitra has committed a great sin. He has deceived Harishchandra, and taken away his kingdom, and now, where shall we perform our yajnas? Whose worship shall we engage in?" Vishwamitra heard their voices and retorted, "You celestial beings, you show bias towards humans. Henceforth, become humans yourselves."

The celestial deities, upon Vishwamitra's insistence, descended to the earth and lived as humans, renouncing the pleasures of celestial life. Witnessing this, Vishwamitra was pleased, and the celestial deities were liberated from the cycle of birth and death, attaining salvation.

 Harishchandra left Ayodhya, but now the question arose in his mind: where to go? Having given away the entire earth, there was no place for him to stay. A thought occurred to him about Kashi. He considered Kashi as an ideal destination, being the abode of Lord Shiva, free from the cycle of birth and death, and ruled by the compassionate Goddess Annapurna. With Shivyaa and Rohitaashva, Harishchandra slowly set out for Kashi.