Mahanipata Jataka facts for kids

The Mahanipata Jataka are also known as the Ten Great Birth Stories of the Buddha. These are special stories from the larger collection of Jataka tales. They tell about the last ten lives of the Bodhisattva, who was a being destined to become a Buddha. Eventually, he was born as Siddharta Gautama and became the Buddha.

These famous stories often take place around Varanasi in India. They are the best known of all 547 Jataka tales. In countries like Cambodia and Thailand, these stories are called Dasajati Jataka, meaning "tales of the 10 rebirths". Each story shows one of ten important virtues or good qualities that help someone reach enlightenment. These virtues are:

• Giving things up (renunciation)
• Being strong and energetic (vigour)
• Being kind and friendly (benevolence)
• Having strong determination (absolute determination)
• Having wisdom (insight)
• Being moral and good (morality)
• Being patient (patience)
• Staying calm and balanced (equanimity)
• Being truthful (reality)
• Being generous (generosity)

Different Orders of the Last 10 Jataka Stories

The order of these ten stories can be different depending on where you read them. Here is a table showing the classic order and the order found in the Dasajati Jataka in some places:

1. Prince Temiya: The Act of Renunciation

Temiya lifts the chariot up high.

This story is about giving up worldly things. The infant Bodhisattva Temiya did not want to be the next king of Benares. So, he pretended to be unable to speak or move. When Temiya was 16, the king was told not to make an "idiot" his heir.

The wise men said it would be best to take him to a burial ground and bury him. On that day, the charioteer, Sunanda, began to dig a hole. Temiya realized this was his chance to escape. He lifted the chariot high and spoke, showing he was not crippled. The charioteer set him free. Temiya then went to the forest to live a simple life.

2. Prince Mahajanaka: The Act of Vigour

Mahajanaka is rescued by Visnu.

This story shows great strength and effort. Prince Mahajanaka sailed on a ship to a golden land called Suvarnabhumi. He wanted to get back his father's kingdom. But the ship was caught in a violent storm and began to sink in the middle of the ocean.

Mahajanaka knew the ship was lost, but he stayed calm. He ate until he was full to prepare for the struggle. He floated in the ocean for seven days. Then, the goddess Manimekhala saw him. She recognized Mahajanaka and carried him to safety.

3. Prince Suvanna Sāma: The Act of Benevolence

Sama cares for his blind parents.

This tale is about being kind and caring. Sama's parents became blind when he was 16. He was their only helper. He took care of them every day. He went to the Migasammata River to get fruit and water.

One day, King Piliyakkha of Benares was hunting near the river. He saw Sama with wild animals and wondered if he was a god. To find out, the King shot Sama with a poisoned arrow. Sama fell and asked who had wounded him. When the King came closer, Sama told him about caring for his blind parents. The King felt terrible. He decided to bring Sama's parents to their son. A goddess also helped Sama. In the end, Sama healed, and his parents got their sight back.

4. Prince Nemi: The Act of Absolute Determination

Nimi rides towards Heaven.

This story highlights strong resolve. King Nemi of Videha wanted to know what was better: a holy life or giving to charity. God Śakra (Buddhism) told him that both were important, but a holy life was more fruitful. The gods in heaven wanted to meet King Nimi.

God Sakka sent his charioteer, Matali, to bring Nimi to heaven. On his way, King Nimi chose to see Hell first, then Heaven. He was scared by the suffering in Hell. Later, he saw the beautiful Heaven. Nimi talked with the gods for seven days. But he chose not to stay in Heaven forever. He returned to Earth and told his people about the gods' happiness. He urged them to give to charity and do good deeds.

5. Prince Mahosadha: The Act of Insight

Mahosadha swings his sword up high.

This tale shows great wisdom and cleverness. Mahosadha was a wise advisor to King Vedeha of Mithila. King Culani of Kampilla, a rival, wanted to conquer all of India. His advisor, Kevatta, planned to kill King Vedeha. Mahosadha warned his king, but King Vedeha still planned to visit Culani's kingdom.

Mahosadha built a secret palace for King Vedeha outside Culani's capital. This palace had a secret tunnel leading to the Ganges River and to Culani's palace. When King Vedeha arrived, Culani's troops surrounded the new palace. Mahosadha sent King Vedeha through the tunnel to the river. He also sent troops to Culani's palace. These troops tricked Culani's family into going through the tunnel. King Vedeha and Culani's family sailed to Mithila.

When King Culani learned what happened, he met Mahosadha. He realized he couldn't harm Mahosadha because his family was held hostage. Mahosadha then took a hidden sword. He shouted, asking whose kingdoms were all of India. King Culani replied, "Yours!" Mahosadha then returned Culani's family. The two kings swore to be friends.

6. Prince Bhūridatta: The Act of Morality

Bhuridatta is caught.

This story is about following good rules. Naga Prince Bhuridatta was a snake prince. He would meditate on an ant hill near the Yamuna river. Alambayana, a snake charmer, easily caught the Naga prince. Bhuridatta had decided not to resist anyone.

Alambayana forced Bhuridatta into a basket. He traveled from village to village, making the great snake dance. They earned a lot of money. Bhuridatta's family missed him greatly. His brother, Sudassana, searched for him. In Benares, Sudassana saw his brother performing. Bhuridatta saw his brother and cried. Finally, Alambayana agreed to set the snake prince free.

7. Prince Canda Kumara: The Act of Patience

Canda Kumara sacrifies himself.

This tale shows great endurance. Prince Canda Kumara was the viceroy for his father, King Ekaraja. Khandahala, a Brahmin priest, was the family's judge. He took bribes and made unfair decisions. The Prince was against his actions.

One day, the King dreamed of a beautiful heaven. He asked Khandahala how to get there. Khandahala said it would cost a lot. He told the King to sacrifice his sons, queens, and many animals. The King, not thinking clearly, ordered a huge sacrifice. Canda Kumara asked his father not to do it, not to save himself, but to save the innocent victims.

When all was ready, Canda Kumara was brought to the pit. Queen Canda Suriya called on the gods. God Sakka sent lightning to destroy the royal umbrellas. Without them, the ceremony was no longer sacred. The angry crowd then attacked and killed Khandahala. King Ekaraja was sent away, and Canda Kumara became the new king.

8. Lord Brahma Nārada: The Act of Equanimity

Narada gives 500 pieces of gold to the king.

This story is about staying calm and balanced. King Angati of Videha met an ascetic named Guna Kassapa. The King asked about good behavior. Guna said there was no reward for good or evil deeds, and no other world after death. He said all beings were fated, so giving to charity was useless.

King Angati believed Guna and stopped trying to do good. Narada, who was a Great Brahma (a high god), saw this from above. He came down to Earth and told the King he was sending himself to hell. Angati replied that if there was another world, Narada should give him gold now, and he would give back more later. Narada explained that wise people don't lend money to those who love sin, as they won't get it back. Narada described Hell's endless pain. Angati trembled with fear. He asked Narada how to become good again. Narada told him that as King, he should have provided for the poor, hungry, and old. King Angati begged for forgiveness. Narada then returned to the Brahma world.

9. Vidhura Panditta: The Act of Reality

Punnaka whirles Vidhura round.

This tale is about understanding the truth. King Dhananjaya of Kuru had a wise advisor named Vidhura Panditta. Vidhura was very good at explaining the law. Naga Queen Vimala wanted to hear him speak. She pretended to be sick and said only Vidhura's heart could cure her.

Irandati, the beautiful daughter of King Varuna, was sent to find a husband who could bring Vidhura's heart. Punnaka, a demon, heard her and decided to marry her. King Varuna said if Punnaka brought the sage, Irandati would be his wife. Punnaka went to King Dhananjaya and challenged him to a dice game. Punnaka cheated and won. As payment, he asked for Vidhura. The King agreed.

Punnaka grabbed Vidhura and spun him around. Vidhura, unafraid, asked why he was being killed. When Punnaka explained, Vidhura realized it was a misunderstanding. He said Vimala didn't need his heart, but she wanted to hear his words. Vidhura asked to be taken to the Naga kingdom to clear things up.

10. Prince Vessantara: The Act of Generosity

Vessantara gives alms.

This story shows extreme giving. Prince Vessantara lived in Jetuttara and loved giving things away. He was never satisfied with how much he gave. He even gave away Paccaya, the royal white elephant, to a neighboring kingdom suffering from drought. The people were so angry that King Sanjaya had to send his son into exile.

Before Prince Vessantara, his wife, and two children left, he gave away all his belongings. On the road, he even gave his horse and buggy to a Brahmin. So, the four walked through the jungle to Mount Vamka. Jujaka, a poor old Brahmin, lived with his young wife. His wife told him to find Vessantara. Jujaka asked for Vessantara's children, Kanha and Jali. They hid in a pond. Vessantara asked them to come out and go with Jujaka. God Sakka changed his form and stopped Vessantara from giving away his wife too.

While Jujaka slept, a god and goddess, disguised as the children's parents, took care of them. King Sanjaya bought back his grandchildren. They went with Queen Phusati to Mount Vamka. Prince Vessantara returned with his whole family. They were warmly welcomed back in Jetutthara.

Images for kids

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  Temiya lifts the chariot up high.

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  Mahajanaka is rescued by Visnu.

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  Sama cares for his blind parents.

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  Nimi rides towards Heaven.

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  Mahosadha swings his sword up high.

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  Bhuridatta is caught.

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  Canda Kumara sacrifies himself.

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  Narada gives 500 pieces of gold to the king.

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  Punnaka whirles Vidhura round.

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  Vessantara gives alms.