The Vessantara Jataka

Second episode, Himaphan, The Name of a Forest: As a very young prince, was given a white elephant whose magical rain-making ability guarantees fine crops in the kingdom. In this scene several Brahmins, sent by the nearby king of Kalinga, whose land has been suffering from a prolonged drought, seek out Prince Vessantara and beg him to give them his eelephant that they may return with it to their own country and save it from drought and famine. Prince Vessantara is shown pouring water onto the hands of the suppliants, signifying the gift of the elephant. (The pouring of water over the hands is a symbol of giving away something that cannot be carried in the hands.) The people of Siva, however, are greatly angered by the departure of this wonderful beast whose presence has assured their prosperity, and they persuade the king to banish his son from the country. Vessantara's wife, Madsi, insists upon accompanying her lord and husband into exile, and with the children, they set out in a royal chariot drawn by richly caparisoned horses. ("The Great Departure" is often a subject of one of these scenes, but is not included there.)