King Vessantara was very famous for his generosity. When he was a baby, a young white elephant had been brought to the palace. The prince and the elephant grew up together. Many people said that the kingdom was prosperous because of the presence of the white elephant. One day, Vessantara lent the elephant to the neighbouring kingdom because it was passing through a bad phase. But the people of Vessantara’s kingdom were very angry at this. Vessantara was banished from the kingdom. While leaving, Vessantara gave away all his possessions. Hearing of his charity, a poor Brahmin came to ask for Vessantara’s children to be his servants. Vessantara immediately gave away his beloved children. God wanted to test Vessantara. He disguised himself as an old Brahmin and asked for Vessantara’s wife. Vessantara did not hesitate a moment and gave away his wife immediately. This pleased God very much. He returned Vessantara’s wife, children and kingdom.
The King’s Sacrifice
