Lay Followers
Kamdev Shravak
कामदेव श्रावक · કામદેવ શ્રાવક
One long night, three terrible shapes, and a householder who did not move
- 4 min full story
- 2 min children's telling
- For all ages
- Shvetambar telling
Kamdev is a wealthy merchant of Champa and a devoted follower of Mahavir. When Indra praises his firmness in heaven, a doubting god comes down to test him in the middle of the night.
What it teaches Steadfastness Faith Equanimity
The opening of the children's telling
Long ago, in the city of Champa, lived a kind man named Kamdev. He had a big house, a loving family, and many cows. But what he loved most was to sit very still and think about his soul.
One day Kamdev heard Bhagwan Mahavir speak. He made a promise to live a good and gentle life, and he kept it every day. He was honest in his shop, kind to his family, and gentle with every living creature.
Read the whole story See plans
To carry into the day
A calm mind is stronger than anything that tries to frighten it.
To talk about together
Kamdev was frightened by nothing that night. What helped him stay so calm?
Retold for JainStory from the traditional narrative and checked against published Jain sources. Details vary between tellings.