The well-known snake story about Lord Mahavir (Mahavira) is one of the classic examples Jainism uses to teach ahimsa (non-violence) and forgiveness.

• The scene: While Mahavir was deep in meditation during his renunciation, a venomous snake named Chandkaushik (also called Chandakaushik) lived in a forest near his path.
• The event: Chandkaushik bit Mahavir on the toe with its fangs. Instead of reacting with fear, anger, or retaliation, Mahavir remained calm and continued his meditation. The venom did not provoke hatred or violence in him.
• The outcome: The story emphasizes Mahavir’s immense compassion and self-control. In some tellings, the snake is moved by Mahavir’s calmness, recognizes the harm it caused, repents, and the scene becomes a turning point illustrating the power of forgiveness and non-violence.
• The teaching: This episodes teaches key Jain values: ahimsa (non-violence), kshama (forgiveness), and samyak bhav (right attitude). It also shows how even a feared creature can be transformed by the aura of a spiritually steady person.

There are slight variations in how the tale is told in different Jain traditions, but the core message—truthful restraint, mercy, and transforming others through fearless non-violence—remains the same.

You can read more about this Chandkaushik Mahavir story here