"I shall prove that he is not," retorted Vishvamitra. Vishvamitra then promptly went to King Harish-Chandra's palace. In the guise of a poor Brahmin he approached the king.. "Oh most generous King," he begged, "grant me two boons."  "You shall have whatever you want," said the large hearted Harish-Chandra.

"First, I want your kingdom and all your wealth," demanded the cunning Brahmin.  Harish-Chandra was a man of his word. He willingly parted with everything he had and left for the forest dad in a single cloth. His wife and child followed him.  The Brahmin was still not satisfied and followed them into the forest. "Harish-Chandra, now grant me my second wish."  "Pray, what more can I give you?" I inquired the noble king.

"One and a half bushels of gold coins," demanded the greedy Brahmin.  "Give me a month's time and I shall give you that too", promised Harish-Chandra.  The royal family then proceeded towards Kashi. Arriving there, Harish-Chandra sought work but could find none. They were forced to beg for a living.  A month passed. The Brahmin again appeared before Harish-Chandra, "Fullfill my second boon, O king, or accept that you are a liar," he said gleefully

Seeing her husband’s plight, the queen insisted, "Sell me a slave, my lord, and fulfill your promise." Most reluctantly, Harish-Chandra agreed. He sold his wife and son too, but still couldn't raise the required gold coins. He the sold himself and was finally able to fulfill his promise to the Brahmin.  The queen and the prince had to toil long hours for a merchant. Still the merchant remained unsatisfied, Meanwhile, Harish-Chandra’s master appointed him as an assistant in the crematorium.

Then one fateful day Harish-Chandra’s son was bitten by a snake and died. The heart broken mother carried the dead child to the crematorium. Harish-Chandra was shattered to see his wife bearing the dead body of their child. Still, he had to do his duty! " I am sorry, my dear," he said tearfully, "I cannot cremate our son unless you pay the cremation fees required by my master. "My Lord, I am a penniless slave," cried his wife. In despair the couple decided to kill themselves. Harish-Chandra made Pyre of half brunt logs. They placed their dead child on it. Then, seating themselves besides their child, they set the Pyre ablaze.

At that moment Brahma, Indra and several other Gods descended from heaven and doused the fire. "Harish Chandra," exclaimed the Gods, "you have proved beyond doubt that you are the most honest man on earth. Your trials are over.  The Gods brought the prince back to life and blessed the royal couple. Then Vishvamitra returned the Kingdom to the virtuous and truthful king Harish-Chandra.