Shannan0997 at 18:25, 28 December 2025

2025-12-28T18:25:47Z

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{{Short description|Legendary Indian king of Agroha}}
{{use dmy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2017}}
{{Infobox royalty
| title = Maharaja
| name = Agrasen
| image = Maharja Agrasena.jpeg
| caption =
| predecessor = Maharaja Vallabhsen
| successor = Shail
| queen = Nandini
| issue = Vibhu
| royal house = Raghuvansham
| dynasty = {{ubl|[[Suryavamsha]] /[[Ikshvaku dynasty|Ikshvaku]]|[[Raghuvaṃśa (dynasty)|Raghuvamsha]]}}
| father = Maharaja Vallabh
| mother = Bhagwati Devi
}}
'''Agrasen''', most commonly known as '''Maharaja''' (literally, ''great king'') '''Agrasen''', was a legendary Indian king of [[Agroha Mound|Agroha]], a city of traders in the district of [[Hisar district|Hisar]], [[Haryana]]. He is a descendant of the [[Hinduism|Hindu]] deity, Shri [[Rama|Ramchandra]]'s elder son, [[Kusha (Ramayana)|Kush]]. He is credited with the establishment of a kingdom of traders in Northern India named [[Agroha Mound|Agroha]], and is known for his compassion in refusing sacrificial slaughter of animals in ''[[yajna]]s.'' Goddess [[Lakshmi|Mahalakshmi]] bestowed prosperity for him and his descendants.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

The [[Agrawal]]s, a community of traditional traders from northern India, regard Maharaja Agrasen as their forefather and a historical figure who established the foundations of their community in the [[Agroha Mound|Kingdom of Agroha]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maharaja Agrasen |url=https://www.agrohadhaam.org/maharaja-agrasen |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=Agroha Vikas Trust {{!}} Agroha Dhaam India |language=en}}</ref> In fact, the term [[Agrawal]] means "descendants of Agrasen" or "people of [[Agroha Mound|Agroha]]".

{{Multiple image
| total_width = 252
| image1 = Stamp of India - 1976 - Colnect 327901 - Maharaja Agrasen Commemoration.jpeg
| alt1 = The image depicts a commemorative stamp issued by India in 1976 honoring Maharaja Agrasen. The stamp features an illustration of Maharaja Agrasen, often depicted in royal attire, emphasizing his historical significance as a revered figure in the Agrawal community. The background is typically adorned with traditional motifs, highlighting his connection to Indian culture and heritage. The stamp serves to celebrate his legacy and the values he represents, particularly in relation to the Agrawal community’s origins.
| caption1 = Postage stamp issued by the [[Government of India]] in 1976, commemorating [[Maharaja Agrasen|Maharaja Agrasen's]] 5100th [[Agrasen Jayanti|birth anniversary.]]
| image2 = Agrasen maldives.jpg
| alt2 = A regal depiction of Maharaja Agrasen, a legendary king revered in Indian history and mythology, seated on a grand throne adorned with intricate designs and flanked by two lions symbolizing strength and royalty. He is portrayed in traditional royal attire, with elaborate jewelry and a crown, holding a scepter. The artwork has a vibrant blue background with decorative floral patterns, enhancing the royal aura. The text at the bottom identifies him as "Maharaja Agrasen," with additional inscriptions describing the artwork was crafted for a Maldives postage stamp in 2016. The entire design reflects a blend of respect, reverence, and artistic grandeur dedicated to the king's legacy.
| caption2 = Postage stamp issued by the [[Maldives]] in 2016 on Maharaja Agrasen's birth anniversary.<ref name=":10"/>
| direction = vertical
}}

The occasion of his birth anniversary called [[Agrasen Jayanti]] is celebrated in the Indian states of [[Haryana]], [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], [[Rajasthan]], and [[Uttar Pradesh]] where it is recognized as a [[Public holidays in India|public]] or a gazetted holiday.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 December 2023 |title=Government of Punjab, Department of Personnel |url=https://punjab.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/List-of-Holidays-2024.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007094817/https://punjab.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/List-of-Holidays-2024.pdf |archive-date=7 October 2024 |access-date=27 October 2024 |work=Notification from Government of Punjab, Department of Personnel}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=22 December 2023 |title=Haryana Government, Department of Human Resources, Notification |url=https://csharyana.gov.in/WriteReadData/Notifications-%26-Orders/Human-Resources-I/14136.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315083650/https://csharyana.gov.in/WriteReadData/Notifications-%26-Orders/Human-Resources-I/14136.pdf |archive-date=15 March 2024 |access-date=27 October 2024 |work=Haryana Government, Department of Human Resources, Notification }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=9 October 2023 |title=Government of Rajasthan, The General Administration Department Notification |url=https://gad.rajasthan.gov.in/details/Calendar_2024_09102023.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529121353/https://gad.rajasthan.gov.in/details/Calendar_2024_09102023.pdf |archive-date=29 May 2024 |access-date=27 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 Public Holiday Calendar {{!}} Government of Uttar Pradesh {{!}} India |url=https://meerut.nic.in/notice/2024-public-holiday-calendar/ |access-date=2024-10-27 |language=en-US}}</ref> The [[Government of India]] in 1976 commemorated the 5100th [[Agrasen Jayanti|birth anniversary]] of Maharaja Agrasen by issuing a [[commons:File:Stamp_of_India_-_1976_-_Colnect_327901_-_Maharaja_Agrasen_Commemoration.jpeg|postage stamp]] depicting him,<ref>{{cite web |title=KCR Praises Vaisyas to Skies, Says The Community Knows Art of Life |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/KCR-Praises-Vaisyas-to-Skies-Says-The-Community-Knows-Art-of-Life/2014/09/26/article2449852.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926130518/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/KCR-Praises-Vaisyas-to-Skies-Says-The-Community-Knows-Art-of-Life/2014/09/26/article2449852.ece |archive-date=26 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |last=India |first=Post of |title=English: Stamp |date=1976 |url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stamp_of_India_-_1976_-_Colnect_327901_-_Maharaja_Agrasen_Commemoration.jpeg |access-date=2024-10-27}}</ref> and so did [[Maldives]] in 2016 as a tribute to the contributions of the [[Agrawal]] community, a prominent business group in India, in the growing trade relationship between the Maldives and India.<ref name=":10">{{Cite news |date=1 October 2016 |title=Maldives issues special postage stamp on Maharaja Agrasen |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/maldives-issues-special-postage-stamp-on-maharaja-agrasen/articleshow/54629467.cms?from=mdr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524220533/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/maldives-issues-special-postage-stamp-on-maharaja-agrasen/articleshow/54629467.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=24 May 2021 |access-date=27 October 2024 |work=Economic Times}}</ref> The eastern wing of the modern day [[Agroha Dham]] [[Hindu temple|temple]] is dedicated to Maharaja Agrasen, serving as a significant cultural and heritage center for the Agrawal community.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Agroha dhaam |url=https://www.agrohadhaam.org/agroha-dhaam |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=Agroha Vikas Trust {{!}} Agroha Dhaam India |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Agrasen ki Baoli, New Delhi, India - 20070127.jpg|250px|thumb|[[Agrasen ki Baoli]] in [[Delhi]]. The current structure was built in the 14th century by the [[Agrawal]] community, which traces its origin to King Agrasen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.agrasenkibaoli.com |title=Agrasen Ki Baoli |publisher=AgrasenKiBaoli.com |access-date=2015-08-04}}</ref> It is believed that the original structure was built by the king Agrasen<ref>Mittal, J.P. (2006), History of Ancient India (4250 BC to 637 AD) page 675, {{ISBN|978-81-269-0616-1}} (This author considers King Agrasen an actual historical figure)</ref> during the [[Mahabharat]] epic era.]]

== History ==
[[File:Agroha Dhaam Hindu Temple.jpg|alt=The image showcases the grand entrance to the **Agroha Dham Hindu temple**, with three towering, ornately decorated structures rising prominently against an overcast sky. The central structure is the tallest, with a distinctive brownish-red facade adorned with symmetrically placed windows and carved niches that add depth and texture. Its dome has a rounded, layered design crowned with a golden pinnacle at the top. Flanking the central tower are two slightly shorter towers, each adorned with vibrant colors and intricate artwork. Both towers have sky-blue panels accented with floral patterns and traditional Hindu motifs in hues of pink, gold, and red. The top of each of these side towers is capped with lotus-like structures, topped by golden finials. At the main entrance of the temple, a statue depicting a divine chariot pulled by horses and guided by warriors or deities stands prominently, drawing attention. Below the chariot, a large archway leads into the temple, with detailed architectural elements on either side. The steps leading up to the entrance are wide and surrounded by well-maintained greenery, with various plants, shrubs, and flowering bushes lining the walkway. The scene is bustling with visitors, some ascending the stairs towards the temple, while others are seen standing or moving around in groups. The pathway leading up to the temple is clean and well-kept, bordered by a trimmed lawn and decorative plants, contributing to the peaceful and reverent atmosphere.|thumb|250x250px|The grand entrance of the [[Agroha Dham]] [[Hindu temple]] located in [[Agroha (town)|Agroha]], [[Hisar district]], [[Haryana]]. The temple is dedicated to goddess [[Lakshmi|Mahalakshmi]], the [[Kuladevata|Kuladevi]] of the [[Agrawal]]s, who trace their origins to Agroha, whose foundations were laid by the great king [[Maharaja agrasen|Maharaja Agrasen]].]]

[[Bharatendu Harishchandra]] (1850-1885), a renowned [[Agrawal]] author and poet, compiled the legend of Maharaja Agrasen in his 1871 essay ''Agarwalon ki Utpatti'' ("Origins of Agrawals and Agrahari"). Bhartendu is not clear about his sources, stating that he compiled the legend from "tradition" and "ancient writings", naming one of these texts as ''Sri Mahalakshmi Vrat Ki Katha'' ("The Story of the Fast for Goddess Mahalakshmi"). He claimed to have found this text in a "later" part of the ''[[Bhavishya Purana]]'', which exists in several recensions. However, subsequent researchers were unsuccessful in tracing this text in any published version of the ''"Bhavishya Purana''.{{sfn|Babb|2004|p=199}} In 1976, the Agrawal historian Satyaketu Vidyalankar published a copy of the ''Mahalakshmi Vrat Ki Katha'' in his ''Agrwal Jati Ka Prachin Itihas'' ("Ancient History of the Agrawal caste"). He states that he had found this copy in the personal library of Bharatendu Harishchandra; some academics note that this copy does not contain any clue about its origin.{{sfn|Babb|2004|p=199}}

== Legend ==
Agrasen was a [[Kshatriya]] king of the [[Solar dynasty|Sūryavaṃśi]] dynasty who adopted the [[Vanika]] dharma for the benefit of his people. He was the ruler of ''Khandavprasth'', ''Ballabhgarh'', and ''Agr [[Janapada]]'' (present-day [[Delhi]], [[Ballabhgarh]], and [[Agra]]).<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Bhartendu Harischandra |url=https://archive.org/details/agarwalon-ki-utpatti-bhartendu-harischandra/Agarwalon%20Ki%20Utpatti%20-%20Bhartendu%20Harischandra |title=Agarwalon Ki Utpatti Bhartendu Harischandra}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=About Maharaja Agrasen – Maharaja Agrasen Medical College, Agroha (Haryana) |url=https://mamc.edu.in/about-maharaja-agrasen/ |access-date=2024-10-27 |language=en-US}}</ref>

According to [[Bharatendu Harishchandra|Bharatendu Harishchandra's]] account, Maharaja Agrasen was born on 15th September 3082 [[Anno Domini|BC]], or in 4250 [[Anno Domini|BC]] on the first day of [[Ashvin (month)|Ashvin]] [[Shukla Paksha]], in the last stages of [[Dvapara Yuga]], or the beginning of [[Kali Yuga]]. He was the eldest son of [[Solar dynasty|Sūryavaṃśi]] Maharaja Vallabhsen and Queen Bhagwati Devi of Pratapnagar (in present-day [[Rajasthan]]) and the elder brother of Shursen.<ref name=":0" /> Maharaja Agrasen was claimed to be a 34th-generation descendant of the lineage of [[Rama|Lord Rama's]] elder son, [[Kusha (Ramayana)|Kush]]. At the age of 15, Agrasen fought in the [[Kurukshetra War|Mahabharata]] war alongside the [[Pandava]]s. [[Krishna|Lord Krishna]] proclaimed that Agrasen would be a ''yug purush,'' or "man of the age," and an [[avatar]] in the [[Kali Yuga]].

=== Marriage to Madhavi ===
He was married to Madhavi, the daughter of the serpent king [[Nagaraja]] Kumud, with whom [[Indra]] was also smitten. When she chose Agrasen as her husband, [[Indra]], the lord of thunderstorms and rain could not bear her loss and created a drought in Pratapnagar. The famine in Agrasen's kingdom forced him to go to war against Indra, but sage [[Narada]] brokered peace.<ref name=":0" />

=== Agrasen's Austerities ===
Maharaja Agrasen went to the city of [[Kāshi]] and performed intense [[Tapas (Indian religions)|''tapasya'']] (austerity) for the welfare of his subjects. Pleased with his devotion, [[Shiva|Lord Shiva]] advised him to perform ''tapasya'' for [[Lakshmi|Goddess Lakshmi]]. Goddess Lakshmi, pleased with his selfless austerities, granted him a boon: “Establish a new kingdom and, while following the principles of [[Kshatriya]] [[dharma]], nurture and protect your kingdom and subjects! Your kingdom will always be filled with wealth and abundance.” [[Lakshmi|Goddess Lakshmi]] is the [[kuldevi]] of (many) [[Agrawal]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Agarwālā {{!}} Indian Caste, Social Hierarchy & Endogamy {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Agarwala |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>

== Agrawal gotras ==
{{main | Agarwal#Gotras | l1= Agarwal gotras }}

Per Bharatendu Harishchandra, the Agarwals are organized into seventeen and a half [[gotra]]s ([[Exogamy|exogamous]] clans), which came into being from seventeen and a half sacrifices performed by Agrasen. The last sacrifice is considered "half" because it was abandoned after Agrasen expressed remorse for the violent animal sacrifices. Bharatendu also mentions that Agrasen had 17 queens and a junior queen, but does not mention any connection between these queens and the formation of the gotras. Neither does he explain how sacrifices led to the formation of the gotras.{{sfn|Babb|2004|pp=201-202}}

Historically, due to regional differences there has been no single unanimous list of these seventeen and a half gotras. In 1983, The Akhil Bhartiya Aggarwal Sammelan, a major organization of [[Agrawal]]s (also [[Baranwal]]s), ratified a list of Agarwal gotras.{{sfn|Babb|2004|pp=193-194}} To avoid classification of any particular gotra as "half", the Sammelan provides a list of following 18 gotras:{{sfn|Babb|2004|p=192}}

{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
# Garg
# Goyal
# Kucchal (Agrahari)
# Kansal
# Bindal
# Dharan
# Singhal
# Jindal
# Mittal
# Tingal
# Tayal
# Bansal
# Bhandal
# Nangal
# Mangal
# Airan
# Madhukul
# Goyan
}}

The list does not include several existing clans such as Kotrivala, Pasari, Mudgal, Tibreval, and Singhla.{{sfn|Babb|2004|p=193|ps=:"...a few ostensible clan names appeared (Koṭrīvālā, Pasārī, Mudgal, Ṭibṛevāl, Singhlā) that do not appear on the official list of 18."}}

==Legacy ==

* Anniversary
** [[Agrasen Jayanti]]
* [[Maharaja Agrasen College|Education]]
** [[Delhi]]
*** [[Maharaja Agrasen College]] of the [[University of Delhi]] in Vasundhara Enclave
*** Maharaja Agrasen Institute Of Technology of [[Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University]] in [[Rohini, Delhi|Rohini]]
** Haryana
*** [[Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Management and Technology]] at Yamunanagar
*** [[Maharaja Agrasen College, Jagadhri]] at Yamunanagar
*** [[Maharaja Agrasen Medical College, Agroha]] in Hisar in Haryana
** [[Himachal Pradesh]]
*** [[Maharaja Agrasen University]] at Solan district
** [[Uttar Pradesh]]
*** Maharaja Agrasen College of Engineering and Technology
* [[Maharaja Agrasen Hospital (disambiguation)|Hospital]]
** [[Maharaja Agrasen Hospital (Bangalore)]]
** [[Maharaja Agrasen Hospital (New Delhi)]] at Palam
* Other
** [[Agrasen ki Baoli]]
** [[Hisar Airport|Maharaja Agrasen International Airport, Hisar]]

==See also==

* [[Agroha Mound#Development|Agroha development plan]]
* [[List of Hindu empires and dynasties]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===
{{refbegin}}
{{cite book |first=Lawrence A. |last=Babb |title=Alchemies of Violence: Myths of Identity and the Life of Trade in Western India |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=74tUY0le33UC&pg=PA200 |year=2004 |publisher=SAGE |isbn=978-0-7619-3223-9 |page=199}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
*[http://www.agrasen.com/agrasen.html Maharaja Agrasen] at agrasen.com

[[Category:Legendary Indian people]]
[[Category:People from Hisar district]]

Agrasen - Revision history

Shannan0997 at 18:25, 28 December 2025