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Rantideva (रन्तिदेवः) was a king who belonged to the lineage of Chandravamsha kings. Known for his hospitality, he was the Kindest, most liberal kings who ruled ancient Bharatavarsha.
The grandson of Nara (the brother of Garga) and son of Samkriti, Rantideva is to be remembered with reverence at morning and dusk, for his unique kindness very famous in history.<ref name=":1">Vettam. Mani, (1975). ''[https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft Puranic encyclopaedia : A comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature].'' Delhi:Motilal Banasidass.</ref>
== Importance ==
After the great war was over Narada once narrated the stories of sixteen kings to Yudhisthira. They are Marutta, Suhotra, Paurava, Shibi, SriRama, Bhagiratha, Dilipa (Khatvanga), Mandhata, Yayati, Ambarisha, Shashabindu, Gaya, Rantideva, Bharata, Pruthu and Parasurama. (Maha. Drona. 61 -70)
According to Puranic Encyclopedia, Rantideva has been mentioned for his hospitality in history. He is known to have engaged 20,000 people to cook food for the guests who came to the palace everyday. He was very vigilant about treating guests day and night alike (Atithimaryada). He gifted away all wealth which was righteously earned to brahmins. A learned in Vedas he subdued enemies by Dharma.<ref name=":1" />
== Story of Hospitality ==
The merit of sacrificing even one's creature comforts for the welfare of others has been hailed in the spiritual tradition. This is especially important in the case of food and water, which are necessary to sustain life in the body. Needless to say it requires immense self-control to forego these fundamental requirements. Among the examples cited in the Puranas, King Rantideva in the lineage of Bharata attained immortal glory by his great sacrifice.
The merit of sacrificing even one's creature comforts for the welfare of others has been hailed in the spiritual tradition. This is especially important in the case of food and water, which are necessary to sustain life in the body. Needless to say it requires immense self-control to forego these fundamental requirements. Among the examples cited in the Puranas, King Rantideva in the lineage of Bharata attained immortal glory by his great sacrifice.