Place of Origin: Varanasi, India
Origin Date: 9th century BCE
Domain: Spiritual liberation, ethical living
Symbols: Serpent, Swastika
Attributes: Non-violence, truth, asceticism
Equivalents: None
Epithets: Parshva, Parshvanatha
Relations: None
Sacred Texts: Kalpa Sūtra, Ācāranga Sūtra
Iconography: Depicted with a serpent hood over his head, often in a meditative posture.
Religion: Jainism
Description
Lord Parshvanatha is the 23rd Tirthankara in Jainism, revered for his teachings on compassion, non-violence, and spiritual liberation. He is considered one of the earliest historical Tirthankaras, believed to have lived around the 9th or 8th century BCE. Parshvanatha was born in Varanasi to King Ashvasena and Queen Vamadevi, and his life was marked by a deep sense of spirituality and compassion from an early age.
At the age of 30, Parshvanatha renounced his royal life to become an ascetic, dedicating himself to meditation and penance. He attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) through intense spiritual practice and became a Tirthankara, guiding others on the path to liberation (moksha). His teachings emphasized the Fourfold Restraint (Chaturyama): non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha).
Parshvanatha is often depicted with a serpent hood over his head, symbolizing protection and his connection to the serpent deities Dharanendra and Padmavati, who are said to have safeguarded him during his meditation. He attained moksha on Mount Sammeda (Parasnath Hill) in Jharkhand, which remains an important pilgrimage site for Jains. Parshvanatha's legacy continues to inspire followers to live a life of ethical discipline, compassion, and spiritual awareness.
Narratives
Previous Life as Marubhuti:
In a previous life, Parshvanatha was born as Marubhuti, the younger brother of Kamath. Kamath was cruel and envious, leading to a series of conflicts between the brothers. This animosity continued over several lifetimes, with Kamath reincarnating as Meghmali, who would later become Parshvanatha's adversary.
Birth of Parshvanatha:
Parshvanatha was born to King Ashvasena and Queen Vamadevi in Varanasi. His birth was marked by auspicious signs, and he was destined to become a Tirthankara. Parshvanatha's early life was filled with compassion and a deep sense of spirituality.
Renunciation and Ascetic Life:
At the age of 30, Parshvanatha renounced his royal life and worldly pleasures to pursue spiritual knowledge. He became an ascetic and dedicated himself to intense meditation and penance. His journey of renunciation highlights his commitment to spiritual growth and the pursuit of liberation.
Encounter with Meghmali:
During his ascetic life, Parshvanatha encountered Meghmali, who tried to disturb his meditation by creating a storm. Parshvanatha remained undisturbed, and the serpent deities Dharanendra and Padmavati appeared to protect him. This story emphasizes Parshvanatha's spiritual strength and the protection he received from divine beings.
Attainment of Kevala Jnana:
Through intense meditation and ascetic practices, Parshvanatha attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience), becoming fully enlightened. His teachings focused on the core Jain principles of non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha).
Role as a Tirthankara:
As a Tirthankara, Parshvanatha's role was to re-establish the Jain community and provide spiritual guidance. He taught the path to liberation (moksha) and emphasized the importance of self-discipline, ethical living, and spiritual awareness. His teachings and discourses attracted many followers.
Liberation (Moksha):
Parshvanatha attained moksha (liberation) on Mount Sammeda (Parasnath Hill) in Jharkhand. He became a siddha, a liberated soul that has destroyed all of its karma. Parshvanatha's liberation is celebrated by Jains, and numerous temples are dedicated to him.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Lord Parshvanatha
Lord Parshvanatha is the twenty-third Tirthankara in Jainism, revered for his compassion, renunciation, and dedication to the path of liberation. He is celebrated for his teachings on non-violence, truth, and asceticism.
Core Beliefs
Tirthankara: Parshvanatha is one of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, spiritual teachers who have attained enlightenment and guide others on the path to liberation. His teachings emphasize non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha).
Compassion and Renunciation: Parshvanatha is celebrated for his compassion towards all living beings. He renounced his royal life and worldly pleasures to pursue spiritual knowledge and attain enlightenment.
Spiritual Liberation: Parshvanatha attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) and became a siddha, a liberated soul free from the cycle of birth and death. His teachings focus on the core Jain principles and the path to moksha (liberation).
Attributes and Significance
Depictions: Parshvanatha is often depicted in a meditative posture, symbolizing his spiritual enlightenment. His emblem is the serpent, and he is associated with the Dharnendra tree.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Parshvanatha include the serpent and the Dharnendra tree. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke his presence and blessings.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Parshvanatha are passed down through generations, maintaining their significance in Jain culture and mythology. He is a symbol of compassion, renunciation, and spiritual liberation.
Practices of Worship
Rituals and Ceremonies: Devotees perform various rituals and ceremonies to honor Parshvanatha. These include offerings of food, flowers, and other goods to seek his favor and protection. Rituals often take place in temples dedicated to Parshvanatha, where devotees can offer prayers and make offerings.
Sacred Sites: Temples and shrines dedicated to Parshvanatha can be found throughout India and other regions with Jain populations. Some of the most famous sites include the Parshvanatha Temple in Khajuraho and the Shankheshwar Parshvanath Temple in Gujarat.
Offerings: Offerings to Parshvanatha typically include food, flowers, and items related to his symbols, such as serpent figurines and Dharnendra leaves. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and blessings.
Festivals and Traditions
Parshvanatha Jayanti: Parshvanatha Jayanti is a major festival dedicated to Parshvanatha, celebrating his birth. The festival includes prayers, rituals, and offerings to seek Parshvanatha's blessings for the coming year.
Cultural Celebrations: Parshvanatha's story may be included in cultural celebrations and festivals that honor Jain heritage and traditions. These gatherings often include music, dance, and storytelling.
Prayers: Devotees pray to Parshvanatha for protection, compassion, and the successful practice of their spiritual beliefs. Traditional prayers often invoke his role as the twenty-third Tirthankara and a symbol of renunciation.
Parshvanatha's role as the twenty-third Tirthankara embodies the core values and beliefs of Jainism, emphasizing the importance of compassion, renunciation, and spiritual liberation.