The Kakkaru Jataka: The Consequences of Deceit and Dishonesty

In a past life, the Bodhisatta was born as a god in heaven. One day, the king hosted a grand festival, and many celestial beings, including nagas, garudas, and other deities, came to attend. The Bodhisatta, along with three of his divine companions, also descended to the earthly realm to witness the celebration. They wore wreaths made of heavenly kakkaru flowers, known for their divine fragrance, which filled the city with a heavenly scent.

The people, captivated by the sweet aroma, wondered where it came from, and the gods revealed themselves in their divine forms. The king, intrigued, approached them and asked about the flowers. The Bodhisatta explained that kakkaru flowers were reserved for those possessing exceptional virtues—honesty, humility, persistence, and a good reputation. He added that most humans were too foolish and sinful to deserve such flowers.

The king’s chaplain, realizing he lacked these virtues, decided to deceive the gods in order to acquire a wreath. He lied, claiming that he too was virtuous and deserving of the flowers. The Bodhisatta, not knowing his deception, gave him a wreath, as did the other gods. After the gods departed and returned to heaven, the chaplain’s head suddenly began to throb with intense pain. He collapsed to the ground, writhing in agony and confessing that he had lied about his virtues.

Despite his attempts to remove the wreath, it would not budge. His suffering persisted for seven days, and it seemed as though he might die from the pain. The king and his advisors, desperate to save him, decided to hold another festival, hoping the gods would return. Their plan succeeded, and the chaplain begged for the gods’ forgiveness.

The Bodhisatta rebuked him for lying and living a sinful life. He warned the chaplain—and all present—not to follow his example. After admonishing him for his deceit, the Bodhisatta removed the wreath, and the chaplain’s pain ceased. The gods then returned to their heavenly realm, leaving behind a lesson about the consequences of falsehood.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha
This story was recounted by the Buddha to illustrate the past deeds of Devadatta, his former disciple who became his adversary. Devadatta had once left the Buddha’s sangha and tried to establish his own following, declaring himself a Buddha. However, after his followers deserted him, Devadatta became ill, coughing up blood. His condition worsened, and he suffered greatly.

When some of the Buddha’s disciples spoke of Devadatta’s illness, the Buddha shared this story to show that Devadatta’s suffering was a consequence of his lies and deceit, just as it had been in a previous life.

The other three gods present at the festival were earlier births of Maha Kassapa, Moggallana, and Sariputta—three of the Buddha’s chief disciples.

Moral of the Story
The Kakkaru Jataka teaches that dishonesty has consequences, even if one tries to deceive others for personal gain. Just as the chaplain suffered for lying about his virtues and wearing the divine flowers he did not deserve, so too did Devadatta’s deceit lead to suffering and eventual failure in his pursuit of power and recognition. This story highlights the importance of truthfulness, integrity, and humility, while also showing the consequences of selfish desires and lies.