He was the son of a wealthy brahmin of Sāvatthi, and had a beautiful wife. One day, while contemplating her beauty, he realised that it was impermanent. A few days later his wife was bitten by a snake and died. In his anguish he sought the Buddha, and, comforted by him, left the world. For some time he could not concentrate. Then one day, going to the village for alms, he saw a fletcher straightening his arrow. So he turned back and stirred up insight. The Buddha, standing in the air above him, admonished him in a verse, and Hārita attained Arahantship.

Thirty-one world-cycles ago he offered some kutaja-flowers to a Pacceka Buddha, named Sumana (Thag.vs.29; ThagA.i.87 f). He is evidently identical with Kuṭajapupphiya Thera of the Apadāna. Ap.ii.451.