The Tirthankaras
Emperor Sanatkumar
सनत्कुमार चक्रवर्ती · સનત્કુમાર ચક્રવર્તી
The most beautiful man in the world, and the morning his beauty left
- 4 min full story
- 3 min children's telling
- For all ages
Sanatkumar, an emperor famed even in heaven for his beauty, is visited by two strangers who wish to see him for themselves. Their second visit changes the course of his life.
What it teaches Impermanence Pride Renunciation
The opening of the children's telling
Long ago there lived a mighty emperor named Sanatkumar. He ruled the whole land, and he had more treasure than anyone. But people talked most about how handsome he was. It was said that no one on earth was as beautiful as him.
Even Indra, the king of the gods, praised him. Two gods wanted to see for themselves, so they dressed up as old Brahmins and came to the palace. They saw the emperor just before his bath, his skin glowing like gold. They stared in wonder and nodded their heads.
Read the whole story See plans
To carry into the day
The body is a guest for a while; the soul is the one who lives here.
To talk about together
Why do you think Sanatkumar refused the physician's cure, even though he was suffering?
Retold for JainStory from the traditional narrative and checked against published Jain sources. Details vary between tellings.