Malli

Summary

“Malli” is a didactic short story adapted from Jain legends about Mallinatha, the 19th Tirthankara. In the tale, King Pratibuddhi of Kosala hears of the extraordinary beauty of princess Malli of Videha and becomes obsessed with marrying her. He sends envoys to her father, but the king of Videha replies that many powerful monarchs already seek her hand. Pratibuddhi is undeterred and dispatches a merchant with luxurious earrings to impress the princess. When six kings—including those of Kosala, Vatsa, Anga and others—arrive at Videha, Malli’s father faces conflict. Malli herself resolves the issue by teaching the suitors about impermanence and detachment. She invites each king to worship a statue of her with a garland of fresh flowers and to enjoy food placed inside the statue. After several days the garlands fade and the food rots, producing a foul smell. Malli asks the assembled kings whether the decaying offerings still please them, reminding them that physical beauty and sensual pleasures are similarly transient. Realising the truth of her words, the kings feel ashamed of their lust. Malli admonishes them further, explaining that desire leads to jealousy, conflict and suffering. One by one the kings renounce their claims and pledge to follow the path of virtue. Inspired by Malli, they give up their thrones and become mendicants. Finally, Malli herself renounces worldly life and attains omniscience, later becoming revered as a Tirthankara. The story emphasises the Jain values of non‑attachment, equality and respect for women. Unlike typical tales in which men rescue women, here a female protagonist instructs male rulers and leads by moral example. Through simple allegory, the story illustrates the impermanence of physical beauty and wealth, the futility of competition for temporal objects and the liberating power of spiritual insight. It encourages readers to transcend selfish desires, practise humility and pursue self‑realisation.