In ancient times, the city of Mathura, located in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India, was renowned for its prosperity and fame. One of the city's most celebrated figures was a beautiful and captivating dancer named Vasavadatta. She possessed youth, grace, and glamour that attracted a large audience who eagerly watched her mesmerizing performances. Her talents were so admired that wealthy individuals showered her with valuable gifts as tokens of their appreciation. Vasavadatta's captivating performances would continue late into the night, accompanied by lavish drinks flowing abundantly. She became known as Swapnavasavadatta, meaning "dream Vasavadatta," and was regarded as a precious gem of Mathura.

Vasavadatta lived a heavenly life of luxury. She resided in a magnificent palace attended by numerous maids. There was no shortage or want in her life. Many young men longed for her and were willing to sacrifice their wealth for her love. They considered it an honor to serve her and fulfill her every desire. Whenever she desired, she would choose one of them as her companion for the night. She was considered a goddess of beauty by the youths of Mathura.

Meanwhile, in the city, a young monk named Upagupta resided. He possessed handsome looks, intelligence, education, and a strong physique. Despite having the potential to attain great success in worldly life, he had chosen a different path. Enlightened by his teacher, Upagupta had realized the transient and futile nature of worldly comforts and luxuries. He became aware of the unhappiness, misery, and afflictions that accompany a seemingly happy worldly life. Driven by the search for true happiness, Upagupta renounced worldly life at a young age and became a wandering monk with no possessions. He embraced the five major restraints, including celibacy, and diligently observed them. His needs were minimal – food, shelter, and a simple pair of clothes. He resided in a grass cottage at the outskirts of the city, relying on alms for food and receiving clothes from devotees. Upagupta's detachment allowed him to overcome desires and avoid cravings and aversions. Through his state of detachment, he glimpsed the true happiness that emanates from within. His sole purpose in life was to attain liberation and serve wherever needed.

One day, while seeking alms for food, Upagupta happened to visit Vasavadatta's residence. As he entered, he walked on a pathway adorned with costly marbles of various shades and designs, fragrant flower plants of vibrant hues on both sides, and intermittent water fountains spraying cool, perfumed water. He witnessed all this with a completely detached mind and made his way to the dining area. An elderly maid came out to serve him when she saw him approaching. On the other side of the building, Vasavadatta was getting ready in her dressing room. As she caught a glimpse of Upagupta's reflection in one of the wall mirrors, she was struck by his youthful and attractive appearance.

Intrigued, Vasavadatta felt an urge to see him up close. She hastily finished her makeup and emerged with a glamorous look. She wore exquisite clothes that accentuated her artistic figure. Beauty seemed to radiate from every part of her body. Standing before Upagupta, she sought his blessings but was surprised when he remained unaffected by her charm, offering only his blessings and waiting for the food. Vasavadatta expressed that she did not need blessings as she had everything one could desire. What she desired was Upagupta's love and requested his companionship. Upagupta calmly replied that he would fulfill her request at the appropriate time and left the premises.

Several months later, Upagupta visited Vasavadatta's residence again, this time for alms. When Vasavadatta saw him, she believed that he had come to fulfill his promise of companionship. She eagerly came out to receive him and thanked him for keeping his word. However, Upagupta clarified that the time was still not right, and he had come solely for alms. Disappointed, Vasavadatta inquired when the appropriate time would come. Upagupta serenely advised her to wait and left with the alms. After that, he did not visit her again. Thinking that he may no longer be interested, Vasavadatta decided to forget about him.

Years passed, and Vasavadatta continued to lead a happy life surrounded by her admirers. However, time began to leave its marks on her. Her beauty started to fade, and she attempted to hide the effects with additional makeup. But such measures could only be temporary. Furthermore, her late-night lifestyle had taken a toll on her health. In her mid-thirties, her face began to wither, deterring her admirers. They gradually stopped visiting her, and the flow of money diminished. For the first time in her life, Vasavadatta experienced scarcity. Since she had lived extravagantly during her prime, she had not saved much for the future. With no fresh income, she could no longer afford her opulent residence or the retinue of maids. Thus, she moved into a small house with only one maid by her side.

Yet, the promiscuous life she had led had its consequences. Vasavadatta contracted a venereal disease that made her unattractive. She required regular medication and nursing care, which she could no longer afford. Fearful of infection, her lone maid eventually left her. Left to fend for herself, Vasavadatta had boils and ulcers all over her body, causing excruciating pain and oozing pus. She had to go through great lengths to maintain cleanliness. However, her condition continued to deteriorate over time, and she realized that her energy was waning.

Gradually, Vasavadatta became too weak to care for herself. She reminisced about the days when people flocked around her like butterflies to a lamp. She bitterly regretted not having thought about her future during that time. Her energy dwindled, and her pain intensified. Eventually, she became too weak to even get up for basic bodily functions. Her bed and residence emitted a repugnant smell, causing people nearby to wrinkle their noses in disgust. Unable to bear the foul odor any longer, they entered Vasavadatta's dwelling to investigate the source. To their utter dismay, they discovered her lying unconscious, covered in filth. Assuming she had died, they wrapped her body in a cloth and cast her out of the city.

After some time, Vasavadatta regained consciousness, experiencing agonizing pain all over her body, and began to sob. Upagupta's cottage happened to be nearby, and upon hearing her sobs, he approached her. Recognizing her, he was astonished to see her in such a pitiable state. Tenderly lifting her in his arms, he brought her to his cottage. There, he carefully cleaned her wounds and applied medicine. Wrapping her in a clean cloth, he placed her on his bed. As Vasavadatta found some solace, she opened her eyes, unable to believe that someone was nursing her so diligently. In a weak voice, she asked who he was, and Upagupta replied with a gentle smile, identifying himself as Upagupta, the companion she had yearned for.

Upon hearing his words, Vasavadatta weakly attempted to pull away, causing pus to seep from her wounds. Upagupta stood up to apply more medicine, while Vasavadatta respectfully murmured that she was unworthy of his care. She considered herself a fallen woman and believed she did not deserve the attention of a saintly person like him. Upagupta assured her that as a monk, it was his sacred duty to serve the afflicted. He told her that she was no longer a sinner because all sins are washed away when one sincerely repents. Nursing her would not affect his vow of celibacy. Upagupta expressed his gratitude for being able to fulfill his promise of keeping her company during this crucial hour. He urged her to stop thinking negatively and to remember that she was not just a body but a pure soul that could never be polluted. By focusing on this truth, she would find peace and face the end of her life with tranquility.

Vasavadatta, in a feeble voice, tried to repeat his words and gradually uttered them three times. Then, she peacefully breathed her last breath.

Thus, the story portrays the contrasting lives of Vasavadatta, a once glamorous dancer living a life of indulgence and wealth, and Upagupta, a monk who renounced worldly pleasures in search of true happiness. It illustrates how Vasavadatta's beauty and prosperity eventually fade, leaving her in a pitiable state, while Upagupta's detachment and selflessness enable him to offer compassionate care to even the most fallen souls. Ultimately, Vasavadatta finds solace in the presence of Upagupta, who guides her towards a peaceful acceptance of her fate.