Bharthari

Bharthari Biography

Bharthari was the ruler of Ujjain in the 1st century BC. He is a popular name in the folklore and folk tales of north India. He is the hero of many folk stories. This ruler renounced the world and became a follower of Guru Gorakhnath. He is sometimes identified with Bhartṛhari, a 7th-century poet. His nephew King Gopi Chand of Bengal also accompanied him and there are many folk tales revolving around these two central characters. The legendary emperor, Vikramaditya, who also owns many popular tales – was his younger brother and Bharthari renounced his kingdom in favour of his younger brother. Baital Pachisi – is a list of 25 tales associated with king Vikramaditya.

Bhartari was the elder son of King Gandharva-Sena. Thus he got the privilege to rule the kingdom Ujjain. There is a tale related to his taking sanyasa. He once received a fruit of immortality, from the celestial tree of Kalpavriksha and he gave it to his youngest wife whom he loved most. She was in love with the Head police officer Mahipaala and she gave that fruit to him. Mahipaala gave that fruit to one of his maids and the maid returned back it to the king at last. When king understood the infidelity of relationships, he decided to leave the luxurious world and relationships and gave the kingdom to his younger brother Vikramaditya before he announced sanyasa. . His nephew King Gopi Chand of Bengal also accompanied him.

Earlier he had a hot argument with Pathinathar who stated that all women are dual minded. He also gave huge punishment to this saint. But following this incident, he begged for forgiveness from Pattinathar and became his disciple as well. There is a famous song sung by the bands of Chhatisgarh in the memory of Raja Bhartrhari.

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Updated: July 21, 2014