page_title: Haryanka dynasty
section_title: Bimbisara
hierarchical_section_title: Haryanka dynasty / Rulers / Bimbisara
caption_attribution_description: English: Bamboo garden (Venuvana) at Rajagriha, the visit of Bimbisara
context_page_description: The Haryanka dynasty is believed to have been the second ruling dynasty of Magadha, an empire of ancient India, which succeeded the mythological Barhadratha dynasty. Initially, the capital was Rajagriha. Later, it was shifted to Pataliputra, near the present-day Patna in India during the reign of Udayin. Thus Bimbisara is considered as the main founder of the dynasty.
  According to the Buddhist text, the Mahavamsa, Bimbisara was anointed king by his father, Bhattiya, at the age of fifteen.
  This dynasty was succeeded by the Shishunaga dynasty.
context_section_description: Bimbisara reigned from 545-493 BCE. The extent of his kingdom is mentioned in Mahavagga. His advisors included Sona Kolivisa, Sumana (flower gatherer), Koliya (minister), Kumbhaghosaka (treasurer) and Jīvaka (physician). He was given the title of Seniya.
  Both Jain and Buddhist text claim the king to be a follower of their 
  respective religions. Uttaradhyayana Sutra mention him to be a follower of Mahavira, whereas Sutta Nipata depict him and his wife, Khema, as a follower of Buddha. The latter further mentions him to have deputed Jīvaka to assist Buddha's Sangha. He also married Chellana and Kosala Devi, sister of Pasenadi.
  According to George Turnour and N.L. Dey, the name of the father of Bimbisara was Bhatiya or Bhattiya, but the Puranas refer him as Hemajit, Kshemajit, Kshetroja or Ksetrauja and the Tibetan texts mention him as Mahapadma.
caption: King Bimbisara of the Magadhan Haryanka dynasty visits the Bamboo Garden (Venuvana) in Rajagriha; artwork from Sanchi.
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