Story of Prabhavati

In the city of Vitbhay, Sindh, a mysterious box arrived, said to contain an idol of Bhagwan (God). Many attempted to open it, hoping for blessings and happiness, but none succeeded. King Udayan was troubled and sought to see the idol. Queen Prabhavati, sensing his concern, decided to try her luck. With devotion and prayers, she miraculously managed to open the box, revealing the idol. The event brought great joy, and a temple was built to house the deity.

Once, while performing a pooja, Prabhavati unknowingly struck a maid in anger, causing her death. Filled with remorse, she repented deeply for the accident. Later, a shadow of her headless form was seen, foretelling her impending death. Unperturbed, she expressed her desire for diksha (renunciation), and the king granted her wish.

Prabhavati underwent rigorous penance and became a sati, an exemplar of piety and devotion. Her virtuous life inspired King Udayan and the people of Vitbhay to embrace Jainism.

In Jain religion, sixteen satis, women of great piety and devotion, are revered and remembered during morning prayers. While sadhus and sadhvis who renounce worldly pleasures are naturally respected, shravaks and shravikas (lay followers) who display qualities of sainthood are also highly revered.

Religion rests on four pillars: Sadhu, sadhvi, shravak, and shravika. Prabhavati's life exemplified the best of Jainism, serving as an inspiration and earning her a place of reverence as a sati.