Shree Ajitnath Bhagwan, the second Tirthankara of the current Avsarpini (descending time cycle), holds a highly revered position in Jain Dharma. His life stands as a radiant example of truth, non-attachment, and spiritual enlightenment. With his divine wisdom and serene presence, he guided countless souls toward liberation (moksha). His journey is not just a historical tale but a timeless inspiration for those seeking inner peace and higher consciousness.

Life Story & Birth of Ajitnath Bhagwan

Shree Ajitnath Bhagwan was born in the sacred city of Ayodhya, into the illustrious royal household of King Jitashatru and Queen Vijaya Devi. His birth marked a divine event, celebrated not only in the earthly realm but also in the heavenly domains. 

Before his birth, Queen Vijaya Devi experienced 14 auspicious dreams, each carrying profound spiritual symbolism, as is customary in the birth of a Tirthankara:

The 14 Auspicious Dreams & Their Meanings:

1. Elephant  – Symbol of royal power and spiritual strength.

2. Bull – Sign of dharma, prosperity, and stability.

3. Lion  – Signifies courage, fearlessness, and future leadership. 

4. Goddess Lakshmi  – Symbol of divine grace, purity, and wealth. 

5. Garland of Flowers  – Spiritual beauty, devotion, and eternal fragrance of virtues. 

6. Full Moon  – Sign of brilliance, completeness, and serene wisdom. 

7. Sun  – Represents knowledge, enlightenment, and universal energy. 

8. Flag  – A sign of victory over ignorance and establishment of dharma. 

9. Golden Vase  – Symbol of abundance, purity, and spiritual treasure.

10. Lotus Lake – Sign of peacefulness and detachment amidst worldly life. 

11. Celestial Chariot – Signifies divine journey, progress toward moksha. 

12. Jewel  – Denotes spiritual brilliance and the Tirthankara’s inner radiance.

13. Smokeless Fire  – Represents self-purification and destruction of karmas.

 14. Pair of Fishes  – Symbol of fertility, good fortune, and spiritual awakening.

Past Life Connection of Ajitnath Bhagwan

In his previous birth, Shree Ajitnath Bhagwan was a Vidyadhar King named Vimalvahan — a ruler blessed with spiritual inclination, self-discipline, and immense devotion to dharma. He practiced charity, non-violence, and penance, and led a life of moral purity. His deep spiritual efforts and karmic purity earned him the Tirthankara-nam-karma, the special karmic bond that ensured his rebirth as a Tirthankara.

This divine transition from King Vimalvahan to Ajitnath Bhagwan reminds us that liberation is possible for anyone who walks the path of righteousness and renunciation, irrespective of their social or material status.

Renunciation & Spiritual Journey of Ajitnath Bhagwan

At the age of 30 years, Shree Ajitnath Bhagwan voluntarily renounced his royal throne, wealth, and attachments. In a grand ceremony witnessed by citizens and celestial beings, he accepted Diksha (initiation into monkhood) and embraced the Digambar (sky-clad) path, symbolizing absolute renunciation.

Wandering through forests and villages, he immersed himself in deep penance, meditation, and self-purification. His unwavering focus and spiritual discipline led him to attain Keval Gyan (omniscience) under the shade of a Shaal tree, becoming fully enlightened and free from all karmic bondage.

Post-enlightenment, he began delivering discourses called Divya Dhvani, through which millions of souls — humans, animals, and celestial beings — received guidance and upliftment. He formed a large Sangh (spiritual community) of monks, nuns, and lay followers who walked the path of dharma under his leadership.

Teachings & Philosophy of Ajitnath Bhagwan

Shree Ajitnath Bhagwan's teachings were rooted in the eternal principles of Jain Dharma — Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Anekantavada (multiple perspectives). He emphasized that true happiness lies not in material wealth but in inner purity and detachment from worldly desires.

His divine discourses, known as Deshna, revolved around the importance of:

• Self-realization and liberation of the soul (Atma Moksha)

• Avoiding the bondage of karma through right conduct, knowledge, and faith

• Living a life of compassion, non-harming, and minimalism

• Practicing forgiveness, tolerance, and spiritual discipline

He laid down the foundational path of Three Jewels (Ratnatraya):

1. Samyak Darshan (Right Faith)

2. Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge)

3. Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct)

E) Nirvana (Death and Liberation)  of Ajitnath Bhagwan

After completing his divine journey on Earth, Shree Ajitnath Bhagwan attained Nirvana (liberation) at Sammed Shikharji, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Jainism. His soul achieved Moksha, breaking free from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara), and now resides in the Siddha Kshetra, the realm of liberated souls.

His Nirvana is celebrated with devotion, as it signifies freedom from karma, suffering, and worldly illusion — the ultimate goal of every soul.

F) Hidden Insights – Lesser-Known Facts of Ajitnath Bhagwan

1. Ajitnath Bhagwan was the first among Tirthankaras to establish a large monastic order after attaining Keval Gyan.
2. It is believed that celestial beings (Devas) celebrated his enlightenment across all realms of existence.
3. His teachings subtly highlight the power of silence, as Divya Dhvani (divine sound) emerged without spoken words — understood in all languages by all beings.
4. Despite being a royal prince, he effortlessly let go of all attachments — an inspiring contrast to today's materialistic tendencies.

Frequently Asked Questions of Ajitnath Bhagwan

1. What was Shree Ajitnath Bhagwan’s past life?
In his previous birth, he was a Vidyadhar King named Vimalvahan, who practiced deep austerities and dharma, earning the karmic merit to be reborn as a Tirthankara.

2. When did he take renunciation (Diksha)?
He renounced worldly life at the age of 30 years, embraced monkhood, and followed the Digambar path, symbolizing absolute detachment.

3. How did he attain Keval Gyan (omniscience)?
S After intense meditation and penance, he attained Keval Gyan under a haal tree, becoming free from all karmic bonds and reaching supreme knowledge.

4. What is Divya Dhvani?
Divya Dhvani is the celestial sound that emanates from an enlightened Tirthankara, understood by all beings as a form of divine discourse and guidance.