In the program “Apno Se Apni Baat”, Sevak Prashant Agarwal narrates a touching story and says:
The Story of King Harishchandra
King Harishchandra is regarded as the very symbol of truth and righteousness. When Sage Vishwamitra tested him, he sacrificed his kingdom, his wealth, and all his grandeur, until finally he was reduced to working as a slave under a chandal at the cremation ground in Kashi, collecting fees for funerals.
One day, his wife Chandramati arrived there, carrying the lifeless body of their son Rohitashwa, who had died from a snake bite. In a trembling voice filled with grief, she pleaded, “My lord, please allow the funeral of our son.”
Harishchandra’s heart was shattered at the sight of his dead child, yet he did not waver from the path of truth. With firm resolve, he declared:
“No cremation can be done without the fee, even if the dead is my own son.”
It was a moment of unbearable pain – a father looking upon the body of his son, a mother weeping bitterly. Despite this immense personal suffering, Harishchandra stood steadfast in his duty and principles.
His unwavering truthfulness moved even the gods. They appeared, restored Rohitashwa to life, and returned Harishchandra his kingdom and honour.
The Lesson
This timeless story teaches us: Truth and righteousness are the greatest foundations of life.
And in the words of Sevak Prashant Agarwal:
“It is not enough to merely speak the truth. True character is to remain steadfast to it, even in the most difficult of circumstances.”