The Tirthankaras
The Seventh Triad: Datta and Prahlad
सातवीं त्रयी: दत्त और प्रह्लाद · સાતમી ત્રિપુટી: દત્ત અને પ્રહ્લાદ
A minister's unkind words, and an elephant that two kings both wanted
- 4 min full story
- 2 min children's telling
- Best shared with a grown-up
- Shvetambar telling
In the time of Bhagwan Aranath, a prince pushed aside by a scheming minister is born again as Datta of Varanasi, and a fine white elephant brings him face to face with the minister's soul once more.
What it teaches Fairness Greed Brotherly love
The opening of the children's telling
Long ago there was a young prince named Lalitmitra. He was kind and strong. But a grumpy minister in the palace did not like him. He told the king, this prince is too proud, and so the prince was not allowed to become king. Lalitmitra felt very hurt, and he could not forget it.
Many lives later, Lalitmitra was born again in the city of Varanasi, as a prince named Datta. He had a big brother named Nandan. Nandan was fair and Datta was dark, and they were the best of friends. They learned together, played together and looked after each other.
Read the whole story See plans
To carry into the day
Speaking unfairly of someone can echo for a very long time.
To talk about together
The minister Khal called Lalitmitra arrogant and took away his place. How can unfair words hurt someone, and how can we be careful with ours?
Retold for JainStory from the traditional narrative and checked against published Jain sources. Details vary between tellings.