Harishchandra's Earlier Life

Srimad Bhagavatam - Harishchandra's Earlier Life

Who is Harishchandra and what made him break his promise? What was the curse of Varuna deva, and how could he get rid of it? How did he transform to become Satya Harishchandra?

Harishchandra is the son of Trishanku and descendant of Mandata. King Harishchandra had no progeny and, on the advice of Sage Narada, performed Rajasuya Yaga propriating Varuna deva. 

King Harishchandra requested Varuna deva to bless him with a son and, in return, would offer his son as a gift. This unusual promise was made without consulting anyone.

 

Varuna deva agreed, and after a lapse of the prescribed period, a son was born and was named Rohita. Varuna deva appeared before the king to claim his right. The king was perplexed and had no desire to let go of his only son. Varuna deva was asked to return on the 10th day of the purification ceremony.

As expected, Varuna deva appeared, and the king was ready with an excuse. Varuna deva visited on a number of occasions without fail but was sent back. 

Rohita, by then a teenager, ran away to live independently on knowing that he would be sent out of the kingdom. Varuna deva met the king and cursed him of Jalodhara Vyadi (stomach ailment). 

Rohita, on knowing the curse on his father, desired to return but was stopped by Lord Indra. He was asked to take on a pilgrimage and visit sacred places for a year. 

Rohita did accordingly and was again stopped by Lord Indra to take up pilgrimage. Lord Indra could not stop Rohita at the end of the 5th year.

On the way back, Rohita makes an agreement with Sage Ajigratha of Bhrgu clan to purchase his second son, Surashepa, and offer him to Varuna deva on his behalf. 

King Harishchandra was very happy to see his son back and with the arrangement. He performed the yagna successfully with Sage Vishamitra as Ritvik and Sage Vasista as Brahma. Harishchandra finally got rid of the disease. 

After this incident , King Harishchandra pondered over and made a commitment to keep his promises at all costs.

Sage Viswamitra tested him and was made to suffer immensely but the king withstood all of them and earned the title Satya Harishchandra. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana