Here is a simple explanation of the relationship between Chandanbala and Bhagwan Mahavir:

1. Who was Chandanbala?

- She was originally Princess Vasumati, daughter of King Dadhivahan of Champa and Queen Dharini. - Due to circumstances of war, she was separated from her family and was finally bought by a rich merchant Dhanvah Sheth in Kaushambi, who treated her like his own daughter. - Because of the jealousy of his wife Mula Shethani, Chandanbala was later made a slave, her hair was cut, and she was chained and locked in a room. ( jainknowledge.com)

1. Mahavir’s special vow for accepting alms

During his long period of austerities, Bhagwan Mahavir took a very strict internal vow that he would accept food only from a person with very specific conditions, such as: - She must be a former princess, now a slave. - Her head should be shaved. - Her feet should be bound / chained. - One leg inside and one outside the threshold. - She should be doing ataham / attham (three‑day fast). - She should serve with deep devotion and tears in her eyes. ( jainsite.com)

These were not “external rules” for everyone, but Mahavir’s own internal resolve to further test and strengthen his vairagya (detachment) and equanimity during his 12‑year sadhana.

1. The meeting of Chandanbala and Mahavir

- One day, after many months of not finding such a donor, Mahavir came near the house where chained Chandanbala was kept. - She had a small amount of simple food (like urad / lentils) and with great faith she offered it to Mahavir. - She fulfilled all the conditions except one – she did not yet have tears in her eyes; she was calm and devoted. - Mahavir, keeping his internal vow, turned away without accepting the food. - Chandanbala felt deep pain that such a great ascetic had to go away hungry from her door; out of pure karuna and bhakti, tears came to her eyes. - At that moment, Mahavir turned back and accepted the alms from her hands. ( jainsite.com)

1. What happened after that?

- With the acceptance of that alms, Mahavir’s very long fast (five months and twenty‑five days, according to some traditions) came to an end. ( jainsite.com) - Miraculously, Chandanbala’s chains fell off, and later her real identity as Princess Vasumati was recognized. - King Shatanik and Queen Mrugavati accepted her back with honour (this detail is preserved in many Jain kathas). ( exhibits.jioinstitute.edu.in) - After Bhagwan Mahavir attained Keval Jnan, Chandanbala took diksha from him, became the first Sadhvi (nun) of his sangh, and later became the chief of the nun‑order. - In due time, she herself attained Keval Jnan and finally moksha. ( jainknowledge.com)

1. Spiritual importance of their relationship

- Chandanbala is remembered in Jain tradition as: - The one whose pure alms completed Mahavir’s difficult vow. - The first Sadhvi in Mahavir Swami’s fourfold sangh (Sadhu, Sadhvi, Shravak, Shravika). - An ideal of bhakti, purity, patience, forgiveness and aparigraha even while suffering. - Their meeting shows that: - True greatness is not by birth or status but by inner purity. - A Tirthankar accepts and uplifts those who have shuddh bhav (pure intention), even if they are in misery and bondage. - Women too, like Chandanbala, can reach the highest spiritual states in Jain Dharma.

If you want to read the full Jain story of “Chandanbala and Bhagwan Mahavir” in simple language, you can read it here