Hitchhiker's Guide to Religion
Jain

Chandanbala

Jain Contemporary with Mahavira (c. 599–527 BCE); her story is in the *Kalpa Sutra* and the *Avashyaka Sutra* Northern India (Bihar — the region of Mahavira's wandering); her legacy is strongest in the Shvetambara tradition
Portrait of Chandanbala
Portrait of Chandanbala
Period Contemporary with Mahavira (c. 599–527 BCE); her story is in the *Kalpa Sutra* and the *Avashyaka Sutra*
Power COMMON 12

Attributes

ATK
1
DEF
9
SPR
10
SPD
2
INT
8
CHA
24
WIS
34
END
7

Combat Profile

ATK DEF SPR SPD INT CHA WIS END
Special Move

Divine Fragrance

emanates sanctified sandalwood essence that purifies karma and grants visions of past lives to those who inhale it

Passive

Celestial Purity

radiates absolute non-violence and immunity to corruption, inspiring ahimsa in all beings within presence

Historical Nun | Jain

A princess sold into slavery who maintained her Jain vows even while imprisoned in chains, Chandanbala became the first Jain nun and an enduring symbol of unbreakable spiritual resolve. Mahavira had maintained a vow to break his five-month fast only under a precise set of conditions; she met them accidentally — a shaved head, chains on her feet, lentils in a sieve held in cupped hands standing at a threshold — and by accepting food from her he ended his fast and she entered the sangha. The episode is central to Jain narratives about the intersection of suffering, vow-keeping, and liberation.

Parallels: Mary Magdalene (first witness to a transformative moment; later tradition elevates her); Joseph (enslaved, maintaining integrity under captivity); Perpetua (maintaining faith under imprisonment and death). See also: Mahavira (Vardhamana), [Digambara vs Svetambara](#digambara-vs-svetambara----the-great-schism)


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