Agrasen

Agrasen
Maharaja
PredecessorMaharaja Vallabhsen
SuccessorShail
ConsortNandini
IssueVibhu
HouseRaghuvansham
Dynasty
FatherMaharaja Vallabh
MotherBhagwati Devi

Agrasen, most commonly known as Maharaja (literally, great king) Agrasen, was a legendary Indian king of Agroha, a city of traders in the district of Hisar, Haryana. He is a descendant of the Hindu deity, Shri Ramchandra's elder son, Kush. He is credited with the establishment of a kingdom of traders in Northern India named Agroha, and is known for his compassion in refusing sacrificial slaughter of animals in yajnas. Goddess Mahalakshmi bestowed prosperity for him and his descendants.[1]

The Agrawals, 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 Kingdom of Agroha.[2] In fact, the term Agrawal means "descendants of Agrasen" or "people of Agroha".

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.
Postage stamp issued by the Government of India in 1976, commemorating Maharaja Agrasen's 5100th birth anniversary.
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.
Postage stamp issued by the Maldives in 2016 on Maharaja Agrasen's birth anniversary.[3]

The occasion of his birth anniversary called Agrasen Jayanti is celebrated in the Indian states of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh where it is recognized as a public or a gazetted holiday.[4][5][6][7] The Government of India in 1976 commemorated the 5100th birth anniversary of Maharaja Agrasen by issuing a postage stamp depicting him, [8][9][10] 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.[3] The eastern wing of the modern day Agroha Dham temple is dedicated to Maharaja Agrasen, serving as a significant cultural and heritage center for the Agrawal community.[11]

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.[12] It is believed that the original structure was built by the king Agrasen[13] during the Mahabharat epic era.
  1. ^ "HISTORY & PRINCIPLES OF MAHARAJA AGRASEN JI". Akhil Bhartiya Agrawal Sangathan. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  2. ^ "Maharaja Agrasen". Agroha Vikas Trust | Agroha Dhaam India. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Maldives issues special postage stamp on Maharaja Agrasen". Economic Times. 1 October 2016. Archived from the original on 24 May 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  4. ^ "Government of Punjab, Department of Personnel" (PDF). Notification from Government of Punjab, Department of Personnel. 15 December 2023. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  5. ^ "Haryana Government, Department of Human Resources, Notification" (PDF). Haryana Government, Department of Human Resources, Notification. 22 December 2023. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 March 2024. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  6. ^ "Government of Rajasthan, The General Administration Department Notification" (PDF). 9 October 2023. Archived (PDF) from the original on 29 May 2024. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  7. ^ "2024 Public Holiday Calendar | Government of Uttar Pradesh | India". Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  8. ^ "Maharaja Agrasen Dak Ticket Samaroh ki kuchh Yaden, Omprakash Agrawal, Agradhara, Sept 2016, p. 32" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 February 2017. Retrieved 22 October 2018.
  9. ^ "KCR Praises Vaisyas to Skies, Says The Community Knows Art of Life". Archived from the original on 26 September 2014.
  10. ^ India, Post of (1976), English: Stamp, retrieved 27 October 2024
  11. ^ "Agroha dhaam". Agroha Vikas Trust | Agroha Dhaam India. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  12. ^ "Agrasen Ki Baoli". AgrasenKiBaoli.com. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  13. ^ 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)