What Are the Five Principles of Panchatantra?

The five principles of Panchatantra are five books (known as tantras) which form one of the world's oldest and most popular story-books for children. These five books are: Mitra Bheda (Losing Friends), Mitra Labha (Gaining Friends), Kakolukiyam (Crows and Owls), Labdhapranasham (Loss of Gains), and Apariksitakaraka (Ill-Considered Action). Children learn a new lesson in each book, through fun animal stories and simple moral tales.

What Is Panchatantra?

Panchatantra is one of the oldest anthology of moral stories for children in the world. The word Panchatantra is derived from two Sanskrit words, Pancha (five) and Tantra (principles or books). The word Panchatantra literally translates to "Five Books".

Animals are the protagonists of the stories, such as lions, monkeys, crows, mice, and tortoises. Every animal tale has a straightforward moral which is easy for young children to grasp. Hence panchatantra books for kids are still popular in the homes, schools, and libraries of India and the world today.

Five Principles (Books) of Panchatantra

Let's take a look at each of the five principles, individually. Every book has a theme and a set of stories that impart a very important lesson.

Principle 1 — Mitra Bheda: The Separation of Friends

Mitra Bheda is the first and longest book of Panchatantra. The word Mitra refers to friend and Bheda means separation. In this book, children learn about the destructive power of bad advisors and bad words on good friendships.

The most popular story in this section is about a lion named Pingalaka and a bull named Sanjivaka. They were very close friends. However, two jackals, Karataka and Damanaka, resorted to clever tricks and lies to make them turn against each other. Finally, the friendship was broken due to jealousy and ill counsel.

The things kids learn from Mitra Bheda:

• Be wary of who you trust

• Don't listen to those with rumours to spread

• True friends should discuss things and solve problems together.

That's why a good preschool panchatantra story book always teaches children that they should be honest and trustworthy.

Principle 2 — Mitra Labha: The Gaining of Friends

The second book is called Mitra Labha and is a joyful sequel to the first. Labha is the word for gain or benefit. In this section, children learn how to make true friends and be a part of a team.

The most popular story here is about four friends, a crow, a mouse, a tortoise and a deer, who help each other out of danger over and over. Though they are quite different animals, their friendship and teamwork help each save his life.

Children learn from Mitra Labha:

• Friendship is a priceless gift in life.

• Friends can be of different people (or animals!)

• Doing something for someone always gives back to you

Children's bedtime story books contain Mitra Labha stories as they make children warm and happy before going to sleep.

Principle 3 — Kakolukiyam: Crows and Owls

It is the third volume and it's all about strategy, intelligence, and knowing your enemy. The word is derived from Kaka (crow) and Uluka (owl). This is the tale of an ongoing fight between crows and owls.

In this section, a wise old crow named Sthirajivi comes up with clever strategies to protect his flock from the owls. The stories in this book are a bit more involved, and they're perfect for older children with more sophisticated thinking.

The lessons children receive at Kakolukiyam are:

• Consider your actions carefully before you make them.

• Wear your brain, not your muscle power!

• It's fine to seek out a wise elder for counsel

This is one of the most intellectually stimulating part of story books for kids based on Panchatantra.

Principle 4 — Labdhapranasham: Loss of What Is Gained

The fourth book is titled Labdhapranasham, which means the theme of the book is about greed and loss. Labdha is something that has been attained and Pranasham is destruction or loss.

One of the main stories in this section is the story of a monkey who took too much and had to lose it all. Another classic tale is about a fisherman who, not satisfied with one big fish, tries to catch more and ends up with nothing.

What kids learn from Labdhapranasham:

• Be happy with what you have

• Even one's own property can be lost due to greed.

• Patience and contentment are very important values

These stories will always be part of a good panchatantra books for kids collection, as they will help the children understand the importance of being careful not to be too greedy.

Principle 5 — Apariksitakaraka: Considered Action

The fifth and last book is Apariksitakaraka. It is one of the most crucial lessons one can learn: think before you act. The word itself, "one who acts without thinking" implies that.

The most popular story in this section is that of a mongoose and a brahmin's baby. A father mongoose killed a snake which was about to harm the baby. However, when the baby's mother noticed blood on the mongoose's mouth, she became frightened and killed the mongoose; little realising that the mongoose had saved her child. The lesson? Do not act rashly or impulsively when angry, without knowing the truth.

The lessons that children receive from Apariksitakaraka:

• Always consider before you make a decision

• Don't make judgments on the basis of insufficient information

• Haste and anger can be very destructive

Latest Blog: At What Age Should Children Start Using Coloring Books?

The Five Principles of Panchatantra at a Glance

Summary

The Panchatantra is a timeless collection of moral stories divided into five books (principles): Mitra Bheda, Mitra Labha, Kakolukiyam, Labdhapranasham, and Apariksitakaraka. Written by Vishnu Sharma over 2,300 years ago, each book teaches children a core life value — protecting friendships, building bonds, using intelligence, avoiding greed, and thinking before acting. Through simple animal stories, Panchatantra has shaped the character of children across generations and cultures. Today, these values are beautifully preserved in panchatantra books for kids and preschool panchatantra story books that make ideal bedtime story books for kids. Whether you read one story a night or explore a full Panchatantra collection, you are giving your child a gift that lasts a lifetime.