The Noble White Elephant: A Tale of Love and Compassion

Long ago, at the foot of the mighty Himalayas, lived a herd of eighty thousand elephants. Among them was a majestic white elephant, their leader, known not only for his rare beauty but also for his kind heart. Above all, he cherished his aging, blind, and feeble mother, who depended on him for her survival.

Every day, the white elephant ventured deep into the forest to gather the best fruits for his mother. But despite his efforts, his mother remained hungry, for the messengers who carried the food consumed it themselves. When the white elephant discovered this betrayal, he was deeply disheartened. Feeling disgusted with his herd, he decided to leave them behind and, under the cover of night, moved his mother to a serene lake by Mount Candorana. There, amidst blooming pink lotuses, they lived in peace.

One day, the white elephant heard desperate cries. A forester from Benaras had lost his way in the dense forest and was terrified. Upon seeing the white elephant, the forester ran in fear, but the elephant gently reassured him, “Do not be afraid. I will help you.” He lifted the forester onto his back and guided him safely out of the forest. Grateful, the forester returned to Benaras.

Upon arriving in the city, the forester learned that King Brahmadutta was searching for a new royal elephant after the death of his previous one. Excited, the forester informed the King about the magnificent white elephant he had encountered and offered to lead the royal trainers and soldiers to Mount Candorana.

Days later, the King’s men reached the lake. Hiding behind bushes, they watched as the white elephant lovingly collected lotus shoots for his mother. Sensing their presence, the elephant spotted the forester among them and realized the betrayal. Though saddened, he chose not to resist, knowing it would lead to unnecessary bloodshed. He willingly accompanied them to Benaras, hoping to plead for his freedom before the King.

Back at the lake, the white elephant’s mother grew anxious. Hearing the commotion, she guessed her son had been taken. She feared for his safety and despaired at her helplessness, wondering how she would survive without him.

Meanwhile, in Benaras, the white elephant was received with great celebration. The city was adorned with decorations, and a grand stable was prepared with garlands and feasts. However, the white elephant refused to eat or drink, his sorrow evident. The concerned trainers reported this to the King, who visited the elephant to understand his grief.

The white elephant told the King about his blind, frail mother who was alone on Mount Candorana. “She depends on me for care,” he said. “I cannot eat while she suffers, hungry and worried.”

Deeply moved, the compassionate King released the white elephant, saying, “Go back to your mother. A soul as noble as yours belongs by her side.”

The white elephant rushed home and found his mother weak but alive. He poured water over her to cool her fever, and when she heard him, she cried out in joy, recognizing his touch. Overwhelmed, she blessed the kind King for reuniting her with her son.

The white elephant remained by his mother’s side, caring for her until her final days. After his own death, the King of Benaras erected a statue by the lake to honor the selfless love and kindness of the noble white elephant. Every year, an elephant festival was held at the site, celebrating his legacy of compassion.

Moral of the Story:

Kindness and selflessness transcend all boundaries. True nobility lies in caring for others, especially those who depend on us. Compassion, whether from a noble elephant or a kind King, creates ripples of goodness that last forever.