The Tirthankaras
Padmavati Devi
पद्मावती देवी · પદ્માવતી દેવી
From a frightened snake in a burning log to a guardian of Parshvanath's path
- 4 min full story
- 2 min children's telling
- For all ages
A snake trapped inside a burning log hears a few holy words in her last moments, and wakes in a new life as a goddess. This is the story of Padmavati, and of how one act of kindness turned into a lifetime of gratitude.
What it teaches Gratitude Compassion Protection
The opening of the children's telling
Once upon a time, a little snake lived inside an old log. It was cosy and dark in there.
One day some people picked up the log and put it on a big fire. The snake was very frightened. It grew hotter and hotter.
Read the whole story See plans
To carry into the day
One kindness, given at the right moment, can become a lifetime of gratitude.
To talk about together
Padmavati never forgot who was kind to her. Who has been kind to you, and how could you thank them?
Retold for JainStory from the traditional narrative and checked against published Jain sources. Details vary between tellings.