Harishchandra - Representations in Hindu Scriptures

Representations in Hindu Scriptures

He is the central figure of some legends in the Aitareya-brahmana, Mahabharata and the Markandeya Purana. In the first he is represented as so desirous of a son that he vows to Varuna that if his prayer is granted the boy shall be eventually sacrificed to the latter. The child is born, but Harishchandra, after many delays, arranges to purchase another's son and make a vicarious sacrifice. According to the Mahabharata he is at last promoted to Paradise as the reward for his munificent charity.