Boy Name · Sanskrit Origin
Harishchandra
हरिश्चंद्र
Quick Answer
Harishchandra (हरिश्चंद्र) is a Sanskrit-origin boy's name meaning "the moon of Hari." It is associated with Punarvasu nakshatra and Mithuna rashi. The Chaldean numerology value is 11 (Illumination).
Meaning & Etymology
Meaning
the moon of Hari · as luminous as Vishnu · the king of truth
Etymology
From Sanskrit "Hari" (Vishnu, one who takes away sins) + "chandra" (moon). King Harishchandra is the legendary monarch of Ayodhya, celebrated as the supreme embodiment of truth (satya) — he gave up his kingdom, wife, and son rather than speak a single untruth.
Vedic Astrology Connection
In Vedic tradition, names starting with specific syllables are prescribed for children born under each nakshatra.Harishchandra begins with "Ha", which corresponds to Punarvasu nakshatra. The ruling planet Jupiter influences the personality and life path of Harishchandra.
Numerology of Harishchandra
Visionary, intuitive, inspirational. Master number: heightened spiritual awareness and the ability to inspire others. Often drawn to leadership in spiritual or creative domains.
Calculated using Chaldean numerology system: each letter of "Harishchandra" maps to a number, and the sum is reduced to a single digit (or master number 11/22). This method is rooted in ancient Babylonian numerology and widely used in Vedic practice.
At a Glance
| Name | Harishchandra (हरिश्चंद्र) |
| Gender | Boy |
| Meaning | the moon of Hari, as luminous as Vishnu, the king of truth |
| Origin | Sanskrit |
| Syllables | 5 |
| Nakshatra | Punarvasu |
| Rashi | Mithuna |
| Numerology | 11 (Illumination) |
| Popularity | classic |
| Region | North India, Pan-India, Rajput families |
Famous People Named Harishchandra
- →Raja Harishchandra — legendary king of absolute truth (Mahabharata, Puranas)
- →Harishchandra (1913 film by Dadasaheb Phalke — India's first feature film)
Similar Names
Why This Name Fits Punarvasu Nakshatra
In Vedic astrology, the nakshatra (lunar mansion) at the time of birth determines which syllables are auspicious for the child's name. Punarvasunakshatra prescribes names starting with "Ke", "Ko", "Ha", "Hi".Harishchandra begins with "Ha", making it a traditionally appropriate choice for children born under Punarvasu.
The belief is that using the correct starting syllable aligns the child's name with the vibrational energy of their birth nakshatra, creating harmony between the individual and the cosmos. This practice is recorded in the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra and is still widely followed across India.
Learn more about Punarvasu nakshatra →Frequently Asked Questions
What does Harishchandra mean?
Harishchandra (हरिश्चंद्र) means "the moon of Hari, as luminous as Vishnu, the king of truth". It is of Sanskrit origin. From Sanskrit "Hari" (Vishnu, one who takes away sins) + "chandra" (moon). King Harishchandra is the legendary monarch of Ayodhya, celebrated as the supreme embodiment of truth (satya) — he gave up hi...
Which nakshatra is Harishchandra for?
Harishchandra is traditionally recommended for children born under Punarvasu nakshatra, as it starts with the prescribed syllable "Ha".
What is the numerology number of Harishchandra?
The Chaldean numerology number of Harishchandra is 11, which represents Illumination: Visionary, intuitive, inspirational. Master number: heightened spiritual awareness and the ability to inspire others. Often drawn to leadership in spi
Is Harishchandra a popular name in India?
Harishchandra is considered a classic name, particularly popular in North India, Pan-India, Rajput families.