Lay Followers
Madhavanala
माधवानल · માધવાનલ
A wandering musician, a famous dancer, and a king who kept his word
- 4 min full story
- 2 min children's telling
- Best shared with a grown-up
- Shvetambar telling
Madhav, a gifted young musician, is sent away from two cities, first for his charm and then for his generosity. In Ujjain he finds a king who promises to help him, and the king's test of love goes further than anyone intended.
What it teaches Keeping one's word Regret Rash testing
The opening of the children's telling
Long ago, there was a young man called Madhav who played music more beautifully than anyone in the land. When he played, people stopped working just to listen. So the king of his city sent him away, and Madhav began to wander with his instrument.
One day he came to a city where a famous dancer, Kamakandala, was dancing for the king. Madhav played music for the king too. The king was so pleased that he gave Madhav rich presents. But Madhav loved the dancing so much that he gave all the presents to Kamakandala. The king was upset and told Madhav to go away. Madhav and Kamakandala were very sad to be apart.
Read the whole story See plans
To carry into the day
Even an untruth told for a good reason can wound; gentle truth is safer than a clever test.
To talk about together
Why do you think the king wanted to test Kamakandala, and what could he have done instead?
Retold for JainStory from the traditional narrative and checked against published Jain sources. Details vary between tellings.