The Tirthankaras
Brahmi and Sundari
ब्राह्मी और सुंदरी · બ્રાહ્મી અને સુંદરી
Two sisters who gave the world letters and numbers, and then something even greater
- 5 min full story
- 2 min children's telling
- For all ages
- Shvetambar telling
The two daughters of Rishabhdev learn writing and counting from their father and become the first teachers of the world. Later, one sister must wait a very long time to follow her heart, and both are sent on a gentle errand to a brother who cannot see what is holding him back.
What it teaches Learning Renunciation Humility
The opening of the children's telling
Long, long ago, King Rishabh had two daughters, Brahmi and Sundari. They loved to learn. Every day they asked their father, how does this work, and why is that so?
One day the king held Brahmi's hand and showed her how to make marks for sounds. These marks became letters. Brahmi learned to write, and then she taught everyone else. Then the king taught Sundari how to count, one, two, three and on and on. Sundari learned numbers and taught them to everyone too.
Read the whole story See plans
To carry into the day
Learning is a lamp, and a kind word can show someone the way.
To talk about together
Sundari waited patiently for something she wanted very much. What helps you to wait without getting cross?
Retold for JainStory from the traditional narrative and checked against published Jain sources. Details vary between tellings.