Rohitashva or Lohithashva[1] is a satyapremi[2] prince in Hinduism, known for his extraordinary journey and acts of devotion. He is the son of Harishchandra, a revered king celebrated for his truthfulness and piety towards the gods. The captivating tale of Rohitashva begins when, as a baby, he is kidnapped by a group of demons while playing with his mother in the forest.

Captivated by the young prince's innocence and beauty, the demons adopt him as their own, raising him within their kingdom and imparting their customs and way of life upon him. Despite his upbringing among the demons, Rohitashva never loses sight of his true identity as a prince and yearns to reunite with his family and kingdom.

Through his determination, Rohitashva eventually manages to escape from the demons and embarks on a journey back to his homeland. Upon his return, he discovers that his father, King Harishchandra, has fallen upon difficult times. The king had pledged to perform a grand sacrifice for the gods but lacked the financial means to fulfill his vow.

Drawing upon the knowledge of sacrifice he acquired from the demons, Rohitashva selflessly offers to conduct the ritual himself. With great devotion and skill, he gathers the necessary materials and carries out the sacred ceremony. The gods are deeply pleased by his act of sacrifice and manifest themselves before him, ready to grant him a boon.

Choosing to prioritize his lost mother, who had died during his absence, Rohitashva beseeches the gods for her return. Acknowledging his devotion and righteousness, the gods grant his wish, reuniting him with his beloved mother.

The story of Rohitashva serves as a profound allegory, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the potency of devotion and sacrifice in surmounting challenges. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, one can discover the strength to persevere and overcome adversity.

The name Rohitashva originates from Hindu tradition and consists of two components: "rohita," signifying "red" or "ruddy," and "ashva," meaning "horse." Therefore, the name Rohitashva can be interpreted as "the one with the ruddy or red horse."

References

  • The Ananda-Vana of Indian mythology Art: Dr. Anand Krishna Felicitation Volume. Indica Books. 2004. Pages 345 and 346. Google Books
  1. ↑ These names are alternative transliterations.
  2. ↑ Henk W Wagenaar and S S Parikh. "Rohitashva" in Allied Chambers Transliterated Hindi-Hindi-English Dictionary. Allied Publishers. 1993. Page 1018


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