Inspiring Jain Katha 2 min read English

Prince Vardhaman and the Monster

Inspiring Jain Katha and spiritual moral lessons from Jain tradition on Jain Knowledge.

Prince Vardhaman and the Monster - Jain Stories
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One afternoon Prince Vardhman was playing a catch and ride game with his friends. The person who won would get to ride on the back of the loser. a new child joined their game. This child was easy to catch, and he lost every time. Almost every child got to ride on his back. Prince Vardhaman also caught the new child. Vardhaman also rode on his back.

(A few minutes later)

While Vardhaman was on his back, the child started to grow bigger and taller. At first, Vardhaman’s friends watched this with curiosity. Later when the child’s face began to turn weird, the children got scared and started to run away in panic. Some children climbed up the trees while others ran to tell their parents.

During all of this, vardhaman remained calm and brave. The monster kept growing very tall so Vardhaman hit the monster in the head with his fist. The monster tried to throw vardhaman off his back to avoid the pain, but he could not succeed.

Ultimately the monster gave up and asked for forgiveness. vardhaman forgave the monster. the monster called him “Mahavira”, which means strong one. since then, prince Vardhaman was called Mahavira.

Frequently Asked Questions about Prince Vardhaman and the Monster

What is the moral and spiritual lesson of Prince Vardhaman and the Monster?
The Jain story of Prince Vardhaman and the Monster illustrates timeless principles of Jain Dharma — including Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Aparigraha (non-attachment), equanimity, and the law of Karma — inspiring seekers on the path of spiritual awakening.
Why are Jain Kathas like Prince Vardhaman and the Monster important for children and adults?
Jain Kathas make profound philosophical truths easy to understand through real-life examples of Tirthankaras, Acharyas, Shravaks, and Sadhvis, nurturing compassion, forgiveness, and right faith (Samyak Darshan).