The Story of Shalibhadra

Shalibhadra was born in Rajgriha to a massively wealthy family as the reward for offering milk to a Jain monk in his past life. His wealth and luxury were so unimaginable that heavenly beings (Devas) regularly delivered divine garments, jewels, and food directly to his palace.

He lived on the top floor of his seven-story mansion with his thirty-two beautiful wives, completely unaware of the outside world, poverty, or even the concept of a King.

One day, King Shrenik came to visit Shalibhadra's house. Shalibhadra's mother asked him to come down and pay respects to his 'master' (the King). Shalibhadra, confused, asked, 'What is a master? I thought I was the master of my own life.'

When he learned that King Shrenik had power over him and his wealth, a profound sense of disgust and detachment (Vairagya) swept over him. 'If I am a servant to another man, then all this wealth is just a golden cage,' he realized.

He decided to renounce the world immediately. His family begged him to give up his attachments slowly, leaving one wife per day. He agreed, but his brother-in-law Dhanna mocked him, saying, 'A true renouncer doesn't take 32 days; he leaves instantly.'

Stung by the truth, both Shalibhadra and Dhanna abandoned their vast empires of wealth that very day. They went to Lord Mahavira, took initiation, performed severe austerities, and attained liberation.