# Great kings and mahārājas > [!summary] > *The Vedic scriptures describe many illustrious kings who ruled their kingdoms according to religious principles while maintaining pure devotion to the Supreme Lord. These rājarṣis (saintly kings) demonstrate that one can perform worldly duties while remaining fixed in spiritual consciousness.* ## Prahlada Maharaja ![[images/all-catalogs/0050_SB-7-2-3.jpg]] The ideal devotee who remained fixed in devotion despite persecution by his demoniac father Hiraṇyakaśipu. One of the twelve mahājanas. **Read more:** [[wiki/articles/prahlada-maharaja|Prahlāda Mahārāja]] ## Dhruva Maharaja ![[images/all-catalogs/0036_SB-4-1-2.jpg]] The child devotee who left home at five years old, performed severe austerities, and received the darśana of Lord Viṣṇu. He attained the Dhruvaloka (Pole Star). **Read more:** [[wiki/articles/dhruva-maharaja|Dhruva Mahārāja]] ## Ambarisa Maharaja A great devotee king who engaged all his senses in the Lord's service. His encounter with Durvasa Muni demonstrates that a devotee is always protected. ![[sb/9/4/18-20]] **From the index:** [[index/entries/ambarisa-maharaja|Ambarisa Maharaja]] ## Bali Maharaja ![[images/all-catalogs/0036_SB-4-2-6.jpg]] The magnanimous demon king who surrendered everything to Lord Vāmanadeva. Despite being born among demons, he is counted among the twelve mahājanas. ![[sb/8/22/2]] **From the index:** [[index/entries/bali-maharaja|Bali Maharaja]] ## Parikshit Maharaja The great listener of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam who heard the entire scripture in seven days before his death. He is the ideal example of one who takes shelter of Kṛṣṇa at the time of death. **Read more:** [[wiki/articles/king-pariksit|King Parīkṣit]] ## Yudhisthira Maharaja The eldest Pāṇḍava and ideal king who ruled according to dharma. His reign is described as a golden age when even nature cooperated. **Read more:** [[wiki/articles/king-yudhisthira|King Yudhiṣṭhira]] ## Bharata Maharaja The great emperor after whom India is named (Bharata-varsha). Despite his exalted position, he became attached to a deer and had to take three births to attain liberation. ![[sb/5/8/26]] **From the index:** [[index/entries/bharata-maharaja|Bharata Maharaja]] ## Prthu Maharaja The first king to systematically cultivate the earth. He is considered an incarnation of the Lord and exemplifies ideal kingship. ![[sb/4/20/14]] **From the index:** [[index/entries/prthu-maharaja|Prthu Maharaja]] ## Related Articles - [[wiki/articles/prahlada-maharaja|Prahlāda Mahārāja]] - [[wiki/articles/dhruva-maharaja|Dhruva Mahārāja]] - [[wiki/articles/bali-maharaja|Bali Mahārāja]] - [[wiki/articles/prthu-maharaja|Pṛthu Mahārāja]] - [[wiki/articles/janaka-maharaja|Janaka Mahārāja]] - [[wiki/articles/king-pariksit|King Parīkṣit]] - [[wiki/articles/king-yudhisthira|King Yudhiṣṭhira]] - [[wiki/articles/the-twelve-mahajanas|The twelve Mahājanas]] - [[wiki/articles/the-pandava-family-and-associates|The Pāṇḍava family and associates]] ## From the Scriptures - [[sb/4|Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 4]] — Stories of Dhruva and Prthu - [[sb/5|Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 5]] — Story of Bharata Maharaja - [[sb/7|Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 7]] — Story of Prahlada Maharaja - [[sb/8|Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 8]] — Story of Bali Maharaja - [[sb/9|Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 9]] — Story of Ambarisa Maharaja ## From the Index - [[index/entries/king|King]] — Saintly rulers