Harishchandra

In Mahabharata Vol. 2, Section Twenty, Yudhishthira questioned Narada about the assemblies he had described. Serpent lords, daityas, rivers and oceans belonged to Varuna's hall; yakshas, guhyakas, rakshasas, gandharvas and apsaras were in Kubera's. Indra's assembly held gods, gandharvas and sages. Yet Harishchandra, a king of earth, was the only rajarshi there. Yudhishthira asked what deeds, traits, austerities and strict vows had brought him to Indra's side. Narada replied that Harishchandra was a powerful sovereign over all kings on earth.

Harishchandra rode alone in an invincible chariot embellished with gold. With the power of his weapons, he conquered the seven dvipas. He had conquered the entire earth, with its mountains, forests and groves, when he performed a great royal sacrifice. At his command, all the kings brought riches to the ceremony and waited upon the brahmanas. Harishchandra gave the priests five times what they had asked for. When the rituals were complete, he gratified the brahmanas, gathered from various directions, with many kinds of riches. They received food and delicacies, were honoured with what they desired and were satisfied with piles of gems.