“Discover the grand religious assembly at Prayag organized by Emperor Harsha, a magnificent event held every five years to promote religious harmony, distribute charity, and celebrate spiritual and cultural unity in ancient India.”
Assembly at Prayag
| Historical Event | Religious assembly at Prayag |
| Organizer | Emperor Harshavardhana |
| Location | Prayag (present-day Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India) |
| Frequency | Held every five years |
| Purpose | To promote religious harmony, distribute charity, and celebrate spiritual unity |
| Participants | Religious leaders (Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain, scholars, kings, and the general public |
| Rituals | Worship of Hindu deities, Buddhist discourses, charity distribution |
| Charity | Harsha distributed his wealth, including gold, jewels, and clothing, to monks and the poor |
| Cultural significance | Demonstrated Harsha’s commitment to interreligious harmony and his generosity |
| Primary Source | Hiuen Tsang’s travelogue (Great Tang Records on the Western Regions) |
Introduction
After the ceremony at Kanauj had closed amid these tragic incidents, the Emperor, accompanied by the Chinese pilgrim, proceeded to Prayaga (Allahabad), where he used to celebrate another solemn festival at the end of every five years, at the confluence of the Ganges and the Jumna. All the vassal kings attended. and the king had already summoned there the followers of different religious sects, the poor, the orphans, and the needy for receiving gifts.
The Arena of charitable offerings
Towards the west of the junction of the two rivers, there was a great plain, called “the Arena of charitable offerings,” as from very ancient times kings from different parts of India practiced charity.
Lasted for
Here they frequented this spot for the purpose Emperor amassed his treasure and performed the ceremony, which lasted for about 3 months and has been vividly described by the biographer of Hiuen Tsang.
First day of the assembly
On the first day they installed the image of Gautam Buddha and distributed precious articles of the first quality and clothing of the same character.
Second day of the assembly
The second day they installed the image of Aditya-deva (Sun-God) and distributed in charity precious things and clothing to half the amount of the previous day.
Third day of the assembly
The third day they installed the image of Isvara-deva and distributed gifts as on the day before.
Fourth day of the assembly
The fourth day they gave gifts to 10,000 Buddhist Bhikkhus, each receiving 100 pieces of gold, one pearl, one cotton garment, various drinks and meats, flowers, and perfumes.
The rest of the assembly
For the next twenty days, gifts were bestowed upon the Brahmanas. For the next ten days, alms were bestowed upon those who came from a distance to ask for charity. For the next month, gifts were made to the poor, the orphans, and the destitute.
Selfless giving
By this time, the accumulation of five years was exhausted. Except the horses, elephants, and military accoutrements, which were necessary for maintaining order and protecting the royal estate, nothing remained. The king even freely gave away his gems and goods, his clothing and necklaces, earrings, bracelets, chaplets, neck jewels, and bright head jewels.
Worship of Buddha by Harshavardhana
All being given away, he begged his sister for an ordinary second-hand garment, and having put it on, he paid worship to the Buddhas of the ten regions and exulted with joy with his hands closed in adoration.
End of the assembly
This ceremony being over, the assembled kings severally distributed among the people their money and treasure for the purpose of redeeming the royal necklaces, head jewels, court vestments, etc., and restored them to the king; and then after a few days, these same things were again given away in charity, as before.
Conclusion
Thus finished the remarkable ceremony that Emperor Harshavardhana performed after the example of his ancestors, at the end of every five years. He informed the Chinese pilgrim that this was the sixth of its kind during his reign. He did not live to see another and died at the end of 646 or the beginning of 647 A.D.
(FAQ) about the religious assembly at Prayag?
1. What was the purpose of the religious assembly at Prayag?
The assembly aimed to promote interreligious harmony, celebrate spiritual unity, and distribute wealth to the poor and religious leaders as a form of charity.
2. How often was the assembly held?
The assembly was held every five years, making it a recurring event of spiritual and cultural significance.
3. What activities took place during the assembly?
The event included religious worship, philosophical discussions, and massive distribution of wealth by Emperor Harsha to monks, scholars, and the poor.
4. How did Emperor Harsha distribute his wealth?
Harsha donated gold, silver, jewels, and clothing to attendees, leaving almost all his possessions to charity by the end of the event.
5. What role did Xuanzang play in documenting the assembly?
Xuanzang, a Chinese Buddhist monk and scholar, provided a detailed account of the assembly in his travelogue, highlighting Harsha’s generosity and the religious diversity of the event.
6. What was the significance of the assembly in Harsha’s reign?
The assembly underscored Harsha’s role as a patron of religion and culture, enhancing his reputation as a ruler committed to spiritual and social welfare.
