Who was the First King Harisingha of Karnataka Kingdom?

Harisimhadeva, also known as Hari Singh Deva, was the first king of the Karnat dynasty who ruled over the Mithila region of modern-day North Bihar in India and parts of South Nepal. He reigned from 1304 to 1325, a significant period in the region's history.

The Legend of Harishchandra: A Benchmark for Ideal Life

In Hindu religious texts, Harishchandra is the 36th king of the Solar Dynasty (Surya Maharishi Gothram). His legend is widely known and often recounted as a benchmark for a virtuous life. Harishchandra was renowned for his piety and justice, with his name being derived from Sanskrit for penury and separation from his family. Despite his adverse conditions, he adhered unflinchingly to his principles, setting an exemplary standard of courage and morality.

The Ordeals of Harishchandra and His Divinity

According to the story, the great sage Vishwamitra once informed Harishchandra of a promise the king had made during the sage's dream to donate his entire kingdom to him. This virtuous act was so significant that Harishchandra immediately honored his pledge and donated his entire kingdom, leaving only his wife and son in his influence.

After donating his kingdom, Harishchandra found himself in a homeless state, as the entire India was now under the sage's influence. He sought refuge in the holy town of Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Shiva. However, framing an additional amount as Dakshina (honorarium) for the donation, the sage demanded the king pay an additional sum. Without resources, Harishchandra had to sell his wife and son to a Brahmin household to cover the amount.

Forced to work under these unfavorable circumstances, Harishchandra served as a crematorium worker while his wife and son were used as domestic helpers. When tragedy struck and his son died, Harishchandra's wife carried him to the crematorium grounds but lacked funds to cremate him. When Harishchandra asked his faithful wife to participate in the final rites by selling her remaining possession, half of her saree, a miraculous event transpired.

Lord Vishnu, along with Indra and other Devas, appeared on the scene, praising Harishchandra for his perseverance and steadfastness. They resurrected his son and offered Harishchandra and his wife immediate places in heaven. Despite this divine intervention, Harishchandra maintained his humble character and refused the offer, stating his duty to his subjects under Kshatriya Dharma.

The Legacy of Rohitashwa and His Influence

Rohitashwa, the son of Harishchandra, was a notable figure in his own right. He founded the town of Rohtas Garh in Rohtas district, Bihar, known today as Rohtak or Rohitakul, meaning "from the Kul family of Rohit." The descendants of Rohitashwa, known as Rohatgis and Rastogis, are predominantly found in regions such as Delhi, Patna, Agra, UP (Uttar Pradesh) in North India and Ajmer, Rajasthan, with the surname Chattree.

Harisingha and Harishchandra's legacies continue to influence the socio-cultural fabric of the region, reminding us of the value of piety, justice, and unwavering principles that transcend adversity.

Keywords: Harisingha, Harishchandra, Solar Dynasty, Karnataka Kingdom