Monks and Acharyas
Thavachaputra
थावच्चापुत्र · થાવચ્ચાપુત્ર
A boy hears singing from the house next door, and a question begins that even Krishna cannot answer
- 5 min full story
- 2 min children's telling
- For all ages
- Shvetambar telling
The only son of a wealthy merchant woman in Dwarka grows up in comfort, until two sounds from a neighbour's house set him wondering about life and death. When he decides to follow Bhagwan Neminath, Shri Krishna himself comes to change his mind.
What it teaches Impermanence Courage Support for the seeker
The opening of the children's telling
In the city of Dwarka lived a kind mother named Thavacha and her son. Everyone called him Thavachaputra, which means Thavacha's son. He had a cosy home, nice clothes and a mother who loved him very much.
One day the boy heard happy singing from the house next door. A new baby has been born, said his mother. Some time later, he heard crying from the same house. The little baby's life has come to an end, said his mother softly. Everyone who is born must one day leave this world.
Read the whole story See plans
To carry into the day
An honest question, followed with courage, can light the way for many.
To talk about together
Krishna promised to look after the families of those who became monks. How can we help people who are doing something good?
Retold for JainStory from the traditional narrative and checked against published Jain sources. Details vary between tellings.