Monks and Acharyas
Pundarik Swami
पुंडरीक स्वामी · પુંડરીક સ્વામી
The first disciple of the first Tirthankar, and the full moon night when he became free
- 4 min full story
- 2 min children's telling
- For all ages
- Shvetambar telling
Pundarik was a prince, the grandson of Lord Rishabhdev, who left his palace to become the Lord's very first ganadhar. His guru's words lead him to a holy hill, and to the greatest moment of his life.
What it teaches Discipleship Devotion Liberation Humility
The opening of the children's telling
Long, long ago there lived a prince named Pundarik. His grandfather was Lord Rishabhdev, the very first Tirthankar.
Pundarik lived in a beautiful palace. But he was a quiet and gentle boy, and he loved to think about good things. He liked to sit in the garden in the evening and look at the stars.
Read the whole story See plans
To carry into the day
The best student is the one who listens most deeply and follows the teaching all the way.
To talk about together
Pundarik was a prince who chose to be a student. What makes someone a good student?
Retold for JainStory from the traditional narrative and checked against published Jain sources. Details vary between tellings.