Saṃkhapāla

Overview

Jātaka 524 tells how a prince attracted by nāga splendour is reborn as King Saṃkhapāla, then becomes dissatisfied with that luxury. Keeping a holy day beside the river Kaṇṇapeṇṇā, he offers his body to anyone who wants it. He assumes a canoe-sized serpent body, compared in beauty to a jasmine wreath, and tucks his head into his hood when hunters approach.

Sixteen men pierce and drag him away for food. He deliberately refrains from anger or retaliation to preserve his moral undertaking. The traveller Aḷāra secures his release with cattle, money and clothing. Saṃkhapāla then welcomes his rescuer into a richly furnished nāga palace. After a year Aḷāra leaves its pleasures for ascetic life, so the rescue is followed by another renunciation of supernatural wealth.

Origins & earliest records

South Asian Buddhist Jātaka narrative tradition

Records & interpretation

Directly read historical English primary-text translation, located by tale number and printed pages.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   The Jātaka, Volume V

   H. T. Francis (historical English translator); E. B. Cowell (general editor)

   Jātaka 524, pp. 85–91; publication date of hosted volume not independently checked. Prose narrative and verse are presented together in the translated collection.

Family & connections

A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.

Primary records and illustrations

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Historical primary-text translationThe Jātaka, Volume V — Jātaka 524, pp. 85–91Research access: 2026-10-05

Image credits

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