Here is the well‑known Jain story of Vastupal and Tejpal in simple form:

Two brothers, Vastupal and Tejpal, were very able ministers in Gujarat in the court of King Veer Dhaval. Tejpal was also the chief commander of the army. Both were known for:

• great bravery and honesty
• deep faith in Jain Dharma
• compassion and charity towards all

Tejpal’s wife Anupamādevī was very intelligent, gentle in speech and highly religious. Tejpal always respected her advice. ( jainknowledge.com)

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The incident on pilgrimage

Once, both brothers with their families and many others went on a Jain tirth‑yatra (pilgrimage).

On the way they came near a small village. That area was known to be unsafe because of thieves and dacoits. Fearing an attack, the brothers thought:

> “If we carry all our gold and jewels, robbers might attack the whole sangh (group) and many lives may be lost.”

So they decided to hide their wealth for safety.

They went to a nearby spot and began to dig a pit in the ground to bury their valuables. While digging, they were surprised to uncover a large pot full of gold coins and precious jewels already buried there.

Now they had two types of wealth:

1. their own
2. the pot of treasure found in the ground

They were confused and wondered, “What should we do with this unexpected wealth?”

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Anupamādevī’s wise answer

Tejpal asked his wife Anupamādevī for guidance.

Without any hesitation she said:

> “This wealth has come from a deep trench (ground), > but its right place is on a high mountain. > Use it to build something that will glorify Jain Dharma.”

Her meaning was:

• Do not use it for personal luxury.
• Use it for dharma karya – work that benefits countless souls for a long time.
• Highest use of wealth is building and supporting Jain temples and tirths.

The brothers accepted her advice with great respect.

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Building the famous temple at Mount Abu

They decided to use this wealth to build a grand Jain temple on Mount Abu.

With great devotion they built the beautiful Luna Vasahi (Lunig Vasahi) temple, one of the famous Dilwara (Delwada) temples at Mount Abu. ( jainknowledge.com)

Important points:

• The main deity is Bhagwan Neminath.
• A detailed Samavasaran (divine preaching assembly) of Neminath Bhagwan is carved there.
• Around the main temple, they built 52 small shrines, each with an idol of a Tirthankar.
• Huge marble stones were carried up the mountain using elephants. To remember their service, a special hall called “Hasti Shala” (Hall of Elephants) was made. ( jainknowledge.com)

Tejpal also dedicated two small shrines (gokhlas) in the temple:

• one for his wife Anupamādevī
• one for his brother’s wife

These are lovingly known as “Derani‑Jethani na Gokhlas” (shrines of the two brothers’ wives).

The brothers later built or renovated many other Jain temples, but today mainly:

• the Delwada temples (including Luna Vasahi) at Mount Abu, and
• the Neminath temple on Mount Girnar

remain as shining proof of their devotion. ( jainknowledge.com)

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Main lessons from the story

1. Right use of wealth

Real value of money is when it is used for: - temples and tirths - supporting sadhus, sadhvijis and shravaks in dharma - helping living beings without violence

1. Respect for wise, religious advice

Tejpal listened to his wife’s dharmic suggestion. When family members give advice based on dharma, we should value it.

1. Fearlessness and faith

Instead of keeping the treasure secretly for themselves, they trusted that using it for Jain Dharma was the best protection.

1. Dharma lives longer than the body

Their bodies are gone, but even today, people remember Vastupal, Tejpal and Anupamādevī because of their dharma‑yukta charity.

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If you wish to read the original short English story as published, you can read it here