Rohitashva (Sanskrit: रोहिताश्व, romanized: Rohitāśva) or Lohitashva[1] is a [2] prince in Hinduism, known for his extraordinary journey and acts of devotion.
The name Rohitashva originates from Sanskrit and consists of two words: rohita, signifying "red" or "ruddy," and ashva, meaning "horse."
Once, while on a hunting expedition, Harishchandra was possessed by Vighnaraja, the lord of obstacles, in order to disturb the tapasya (meditation) of the sage Vishvamitra.
Harishchandra assented and left his kingdom, promising to make one more payment to the sage in a month.
Nearly a month after leaving his kingdom, Harishchandra arrived in the city of Kashi, only to see Vishvamitra already present there.
An outcaste chandala (actually Yama in disguise) offered to buy him, but Harishchandra's self-respect as a high-caste Kshatriya would not allow this.
Thinking of his misfortune, Harishchandra contemplated suicide, but realized that he would continue to pay for his sins in his next life.
He believed that they ere the equal sharer in his merits and that he would only go heaven when his people also accompany him.
After his ascension to heaven, Vashistha – the sage of Harishchandra's royal dynasty – ended his tapasya of twelve years.
Brahma explained to him that Vishvamitra was only testing the king, and had actually helped him ascend to heaven.