JBT14 - Shree Anantnath Bhagwan - The Fourteenth Tirthankara of Jainism
Shree Anantnath Bhagwan – The Fourteenth Tirthankara
Shree Anantnath Bhagwan, the 14th Tirthankara of the present Avasarpini era, is revered for his message of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), and self-discipline. His symbol (lanchhan) is the Bear, representing spiritual strength, patience, and endurance.
Birth and Lineage
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Parents: King Sinhasena and Queen Suyasha Devi (Ikshvaku dynasty)
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Birthplace: Ayodhya, Bharat Kshetra
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Symbol (Lanchhan): Bear
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Yaksha: Bala
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Yakshini: Vajrakantakini Devi
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Sacred Tree: Paatal Tree
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Complexion (Varna): Golden (Kanakvarna)
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Height: 50 Dhanush (approx. 100 feet)
During his mother’s pregnancy, she dreamt of a long strand of beads with no ends, symbolizing infinity – thus the name “Anantnath” (Lord of the Infinite).
Childhood and Early Life
From childhood, Anantnath Bhagwan showed wisdom, compassion, and detachment from worldly pleasures. Though later crowned king, he was never attached to royal luxuries and leaned toward spirituality and self-discipline.
The Five Kalyanaks (Auspicious Events)
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Chyavan Kalyanak (Conception): Queen Suyasha Devi saw 14 auspicious dreams, including the endless strand of beads.
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Janma Kalyanak (Birth): Born in Ayodhya with divine celebrations.
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Diksha Kalyanak (Renunciation): After ruling with justice, he renounced his kingdom to accept monkhood.
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Kevalgyan Kalyanak (Omniscience): He attained Kevalgyan (omniscience) under the Paatal Tree after deep penance.
- Nirvana Kalyanak (Liberation): He attained Nirvana at Sammed Shikharji, the eternal pilgrimage site of Jains.
Teachings and Philosophy
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Ahimsa (Non-Violence): Show compassion toward all living beings.
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Satya (Truthfulness): Speak truth with clarity and kindness.
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Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness): Let go of material attachments for inner peace.
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Self-Discipline (Sanyam): Live with simplicity, meditation, and restraint.
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Karma and Liberation: Break free from karmic bondage through Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.
His life highlighted that true kingship lies in self-mastery, not in ruling over others.
Nirvana (Moksha)
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Place: Sammed Shikharji, Jharkhand
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Event: Attained ultimate liberation with infinite bliss and knowledge.
Hidden and Lesser-Known Facts
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Name Significance: “Anant” means Infinite, signifying eternal wisdom and limitless purity.
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Symbolism of the Bear: Represents strength, patience, and endurance in spiritual practice.
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Previous Life: In a past birth, he was a pious king named Simhasen of Arishta town, who practiced meditation before renouncing for higher spiritual growth.
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Influence on Temples: Many Jain temples, especially in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka, depict him with his Bear emblem.
- Karmic Philosophy: He explained deeply how karma binds the soul and how ascetic practices purify it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the significance of Anantnath Bhagwan’s name?
👉 “Anant” means Infinite, symbolizing his eternal wisdom and boundless knowledge.
Q2. What is the symbol (Lanchhan) of Shree Anantnath Bhagwan?
👉 His symbol is the Bear.
Q3. What was the complexion and height of Anantnath Bhagwan?
👉 He had a Golden complexion and was 50 Dhanush (approx. 100 feet) tall.
Q4. Where did Shree Anantnath Bhagwan attain Kevalgyan and Nirvana?
👉 He attained Kevalgyan under the Paatal Tree and Nirvana at Sammed Shikharji.
Q5. What were the names of his Yaksha and Yakshini?
👉 His Yaksha was Bala, and his Yakshini was Vajrakantakini Devi.
Spiritual Significance
Shree Anantnath Bhagwan’s life inspires us to practice truth, non-violence, patience, and inner discipline. His teachings guide seekers toward self-purification and liberation from the endless cycle of birth and death.
