Although the founder of Agrahari and Agrawal communities, Maharaja Agrasen was born over five thousand years ago, his ideals of socialism and economic equality in the society are still being carried out by his posterity. Commemorating Agrasen Jayanti on 21 September coinciding with the first navratra, the members of the Vaishya community reverently remember him through various cultural and philanthropic events in the city. This day is considered auspicious for initiating a new business venture.
In an attempt to follow his footsteps through undertaking works of charity, the people of Vaishya samaj indulge in diverse social welfare activities. They organise free food distribution and medical camps to spread the message of brotherhood and equality. In some places, cultural programmes and functions based on the life history of Maharaja Agrasen are also held.
Notably, innumerable dharamshalas (inns) that are located across the holy city, Haridwar and other places of pilgrimage in the country owe their existence to the Agrahari sect of the Hindu community which were built by their ancestors to provide shelter and food to the pilgrims, free of cost. Some of these have been converted into posh hotels, giving modern facilities, but many continue to run on the old pattern of donation, as per one’s ease of pocket.
Maharaja Agrasen, the legendary king of Agroha, was a notable and revered king who was looked upon with great reverence by the people of his kingdom. On the day of Agrasen Jayanti, members of the Agrawal and Agrahari community worship Maharaja Agrasen with dedication and also offer prayers to Goddess lakshmi to seek their blessings for peace, harmony and prosperity in their personal and professional lives. Shobha Yatras (processions), taken out in honour of Maharaja Agrasen, are held at various places endowed with the relics and the images of Maharaja Agrasen.
Speaking to The Pioneer, Harendra Garg of SIDCUl Manufacturers Association, said, “King Agrasen, who was Kshatriya by caste, adopted the Vaishya dharma by virtue of his works. Earlier, the ‘Varnashram system’ (division of society in four sects Brahmin, Kshatriya, Viashya and Shudra) was not done as per one’s birth but by the virtue of one’s karmas (actions). The founder of Agarwal Samaj brought the principle of economic equality. To empower the people who were below poverty line, he asked every member of community to contribute one brick and one rupee for the economically weaker brother on the logic that if one lakh people contributed this way it would help the unprivilged build a house for himself. Such were the ideals Agrasen Maharaj embodied which we are still practising.”
The former president of Vaishya Samaj Sabha, Kankhal Pradeep Chaudhary says, “Maharaja Agrasen was the epitomy of what socialist ideas are. We founded Vaishya Samaj Sabha in Kankhal in 1932 to express our reverence for him. Since then, we have been celebrating his birth anniversary with fervour every year. By way of executing his lofty ideas, we organise free medical camps a week before of his birth anniversary. Annkoot (free distribution of food) for orphans and ‘havan’ yajnas mark the celebrations on his Jayanti.”
The word ‘Agrawal’ is formed by the combination of two words, ‘Agra’ meaning ‘Agrasen’ and ‘wal’ meaning ‘balak’ (son) so, Agrawal implies the ‘Son of Agrasen’. The day of Agrasen Jayanti therefore holds great significance for his descendants. A legend says that Maharaja Agrasen was advised by lord Shiva to observe Tapasya (austerities) for Goddess lakshmi. Pleased by his dedication, Goddess lakshmi appeared and told Maharaja Agrasen to start business to bring prosperity for his people. Since then the members of Agrahari and Agrawal communities have been doing business by way of worshipping Goddess lakshmi and the king who is believed to have begot the community .
