Bharathari, the eldest son of king Gandharva Sen, became the king. But soon, he entrusted the throne to his younger brother. But when he saw his wife had fallen in love with a stable keeper, he became a sage and lived a pure life. This story teaches us that living a disciplined and pure life is always the best way to live.
An Overview of the Story of the Greatest Sage Bharathari
Here, we have presented the story of Bharathari. Bharathari became the king after his father’s death. But he lost interest in being a king, so he put his younger stepbrother, Vikramaditya, on the throne and gave up being king. He devoted his time to learning music, writing poetry, etc. But when he saw his wife in love with a stable keeper, he decided to leave all his worldly comfort and become a sage.
This story teaches us that everything in this world is transient, and it is only greatness and purity of heart that stays on forever. So, we have presented the story of Bharathari below.
The Story of the Greatest Sage Bharathari
Bharathari, the greatest and the most respected sage of all, was the younger son of king Gandharva Sen. Gandharva Sen had two wives. Bharathari was the son of Gandharva Sen’s first wife, and the king’s second wife’s son was Vikramaditya.
When Gandharva Sen died, Bharathari became the king since he was the eldest son of King Gandharva Sen, but soon, he started losing his interest in serving his country and the countrymen. He was more interested in pursuing music, poetry, etc. So, he entrusted the responsibility of his country and countrymen to his younger stepbrother Vikramaditya.
Now that he was free from his duty, he devoted all his time to learning music, pursuing arts, reading books and writing poetry. He also became a great scholar of Sanskrit.
King Vikramaditya noticed his brother’s dying interest in the welfare of his countrymen. So, one day he said, “brother, I think you should show some interest in the state matter, and in your people.” Vikramaditya also urged Bharathari not to neglect his duties. But Bharathari became so furious hearing his brother’s words, he banished Vikramaditya from the kingdom.
One day, Bharathari discovered that his wife was in love with a stable keeper. Seeing that, he became disillusioned. This revelation alone changed his life. He realised the transience of everything in life. So, he decided to give up all his earthly possession and lead a holy life.
He started to chant the name of Shiva (the most powerful God of Hinduism). Eventually, he realised that he had been very selfish all his life. He always thought about his pleasure and necessity in life when actual happiness comes by loving people and leading a pure life.
So, he left his luxurious life and worldly desires and went to attain Shiva tatta. He started to learn more and completed self-knowledge. He also read the Vedas and followed the truth written in the Vedas.
After all these years, Bharathari is still regarded as one of ancient India's most respected and wisest sages. Many sages praised him in the past for his greatness and wisdom, and many still do. He was mostly praised for living a pure and disciplined life.
The Greatest Sage, Bharathari
Moral of the Story the Greatest Sage Bharatahari
The greatest sage Bharathari is a mythological story that talks about who was Bharathari and the development of the character of the former king Bharathari who later became the greatest sage and lived a humble life. This story can teach kids how important it is to leave pride behind and try to lead a simple life. It is one of those stories that can help kids understand that the greatest happiness of life lies in loving others and being kind.
Note to the Parents
The story of the sage Bharathari can be a good read for kids. Parents can read this story to the kids so that they can learn the true meaning of a beautiful life in the simplest way possible. They can also understand that pride and arrogance take no one anywhere and it is the constant development of character that matters the most in life. Occasional reading of this story can help kids become a better person in life.
FAQs on Bharathari: The Greatest Sage of All
1. According to you, who was Bhrathari?
Some may call him a king, while others may prefer to call him a sage. But Bharathari was known to be the greatest sage of India. So, Bharathari had only one identity. He was the most respected and the greatest sage of Ancient India.
2. Why do you think Bharathari was not interested in kingship?
Bharathari was not interested in kingship because he had always loved art, music and poetry. Rather than spending his time talking about state matters, he preferred to read books and gain knowledge.
3. Why did Bharathari read the Vedas?
Bharathari had always been a keen admirer of knowledge. When he left all his earthly possessions and left his home, he decided to gain self-knowledge. In ancient India, and even today, the Vedas are considered the greatest sources of knowledge. So, Bharathari read the Vedas.
4. Does banishing Vikramaditya from the kingdom prove Bharathari as a proud man?
Yes. Bharathari was indeed a proud man in his early life. But later, after gaining self-knowledge, he became the greatest sage of India.
Bharathari, the eldest son of king Gandharva Sen, became the king. But soon, he entrusted the throne to his younger brother. But when he saw his wife had fallen in love with a stable keeper, he became a sage and lived a pure life. This story teaches us that living a disciplined and pure life is always the best way to live.
