The text tells of an old Brahmin named Jūjaka who lived in Kalinga. He was wandering and begging and when he collected money, he left it with one of his friends. Because he stayed away so long, his friend spent all the money. When Jujaka came and asked for his money, they gave him their young beautiful daughter named Amittata instead. When Amittata was ridiculed by other brahmins’ wives for having an old husband, she asked Jūjaka to bring her Prince Vessantara’s children to work for her. Jūjaka left in accordance with her request.
Colophon:
[The writing of this manuscript was completed] in CS 1263, a ruang pao year, on the ninth waning-moon day of the fifth [lunar] month, the third day of the week. My handwriting is not beautiful and looks like scribbles. I am Novice Paññā who wrote this manuscript to sustain Buddhism and wishes the life of the religion could be as long as the life of this manuscript.
Nibbāna paccayo hotu no niccaṃ dhuvaṃ dhuvaṃ.
May the merit derived from writing this manuscript reward me, my parents, and my family members with good health.
Other notes:
The date corresponds to 1263 Magha 24 = Monday, 3 March 1902.
Item 1 - Title in Native script:
เวสสันตรชาตกะ – ชูชก
Item 1 - Title in Roman script:
Vessantara Jātaka- Jūjaka
Item 1 - Title in English script:
Vessantara Jataka- Jujaka (An old Brahmin named Jūjaka)