What is the legend of King Harishchandra at Harishchandra Ghat?

Harishchandra Ghat is named after the legendary King Harishchandra of Ayodhya, who was famous throughout the Indian subcontinent for his unyielding virtue, generosity, and absolute commitment to truth. According to the Puranic legend, the gods decided to test his righteousness through the sage Vishwamitra. Disguised as an impoverished Brahmin, Vishwamitra came to the king”s court and asked for a donation. The generous king promised him anything he desired, and Vishwamitra demanded Harishchandra”s entire kingdom, then demanded a supplementary dakshina to complete the donation. Penniless, Harishchandra travelled to Kashi where he sold his wife Taramati and his son Rohit into servitude, and finally sold himself into bondage to Kalu Dom, the head of the untouchable caste managing the cremation grounds. He was assigned the task of collecting cremation taxes. The ultimate test came when Vishwamitra caused the death of his son. When his destitute wife brought the lifeless body for cremation, Harishchandra refused to cremate it without collecting the required fee for his master — even when she offered her sari as payment. At that moment, the gods appeared and admitted defeat, restoring his son, kingdom, and family. This ghat is the exact spot where Harishchandra worked as a cremation keeper, making it one of the most revered sites in India for last rites.