The Stories of King Harishchandra
From Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 9: Liberation
StoryTimeLover.com Bedtime Story Collection
Long ago, there lived a noble and truthful king named Harishchandra. He was famous throughout the world for his honesty, kindness, and devotion to dharma—doing what is right. His heart was pure, and his love for the Lord shone like the sun.
Harishchandra ruled his kingdom with fairness and love. He cared for everyone, rich or poor, and never told a lie, even in the smallest matters. The people of his kingdom were happy and peaceful, for they knew their king would always do what was just.
A Test from the Sages
One day, the great sage Vishwamitra decided to test Harishchandra’s devotion to truth. He appeared before the king and asked for a donation, as was the custom. Harishchandra, always ready to help, said, “O revered sage, ask whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.”
Vishwamitra asked for the whole kingdom. Without hesitation, Harishchandra agreed. He and his queen, Shaivya, and their young son, Rohitashva, left the palace with nothing but the clothes they wore.
But the sage tested him further, asking for a donation as dakshina (a special fee) for completing the gift. Harishchandra, now without a kingdom, promised to pay and went in search of honest work. He finally found a job as an assistant in a cremation ground, where he had to collect fees from people who came to perform the last rites of their loved ones.
The Ultimate Test
Life became very hard for Harishchandra, his queen, and their son. They faced hunger, sorrow, and the pain of being apart. One day, tragedy struck—their son, Rohitashva, became ill and passed away. Queen Shaivya, heartbroken, brought her son to the cremation ground, but even then, Harishchandra, doing his duty, asked for the fee before performing the last rites.
Tears flowed down their faces, but neither of them broke their vow of truth and righteousness. Harishchandra prayed to the Lord with all his heart, and even in his suffering, he never lost faith.
The Lord’s Blessing
At that moment, the gods and sages, including Vishwamitra, appeared. They were deeply moved by Harishchandra’s unshakable devotion to truth. The Lord restored Rohitashva to life, returned the kingdom to Harishchandra, and showered blessings on the royal family.
From then on, Harishchandra’s name became a symbol of perfect honesty and sacrifice. People everywhere remembered his story, teaching their children that truth, faith, and kindness are greater than all riches.
Moral for Young Vaishnavs:
Always tell the truth and keep your promises, even when it is hard. With faith in God and a pure heart, you will be blessed with strength, courage, and peace.
🎨 Cover Image Prompt
A gentle, kid-friendly devotional art scene: King Harishchandra, dressed simply, stands with his queen and son at the cremation ground. Sage Vishwamitra looks on, while divine light shines from above, and the background hints at both the palace and the peaceful village. The mood is soft, emotional, and full of hope. (1200x600 pixels)
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The Story of King Harishchandra: A Gentle Bedtime Tale of Truth and Faith
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The inspiring story of King Harishchandra’s truthfulness and devotion, retold as a gentle Hindu bedtime story for children and families.
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