JBT16 - Shree Shantinatha Bhagwan - The Sixteenth Tirthankara of Jainism
Shree Shantinatha Bhagwan – The Sixteenth Tirthankara
Shree Shantinatha Bhagwan, the 16th Tirthankara of Jainism, is revered as the Lord of Peace for his message of non-violence, compassion, and spiritual discipline. His life reflects a perfect balance of royal duties, renunciation, deep meditation, and ultimate liberation (Moksha).
Birth and Lineage
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Parents: King Vishvasena and Queen Achira Devi
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Dynasty: Ikshvaku
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Birthplace: Hastinapur (Uttar Pradesh, India)
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Birth Date: 13th day of the bright half of Jyeshtha month
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Symbol (Lanchhan): Deer (antelope)
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Yaksha: Kimpurusha
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Yakshini: Mahamanasi Devi
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Sacred Tree: Nandi Tree
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Complexion: Golden
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Height: 40 Dhanush (approx. 120 meters)
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Lifespan: 100,000 years
His birth was considered auspicious, as peace and prosperity spread across the kingdom. Even wild animals became calm, signifying his divine influence.
Childhood and Royal Life
As a young prince, Shantinath displayed wisdom, gentleness, and compassion. At age 25, he became a Chakravarti (Universal Monarch), ruling with justice and compassion. His reign was marked by prosperity, non-violence, and ethical governance, ensuring peace for all beings.
The Five Kalyanaks (Auspicious Events)
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Chyavan Kalyanak (Conception): Queen Achira experienced divine dreams foretelling his greatness.
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Janma Kalyanak (Birth): His birth brought harmony and joy to Hastinapur.
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Diksha Kalyanak (Renunciation): At age 50, he renounced his throne, choosing the path of asceticism.
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Kevalgyan Kalyanak (Omniscience): Through deep meditation and penance, he attained Keval Gyan (Omniscience).
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Nirvana Kalyanak (Liberation): He attained Moksha at Sammed Shikharji, achieving eternal peace.
Teachings and Philosophy
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Peace and Non-violence (Ahimsa): Advocated living in harmony with all beings.
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Compassion: Urged followers to treat even animals and insects with kindness.
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Renunciation: True happiness comes from detachment from worldly pleasures.
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Equality: His sermons in the Samavasaran (divine assembly) were understood by all beings — humans, animals, and celestial beings alike.
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Spiritual Discipline: He taught overcoming passions (anger, pride, deceit, greed) as the way to Moksha.
Symbolism – The Deer
The Deer (Mriga) is his symbol, representing gentleness, peace, compassion, and serenity. Just as a deer moves gracefully and harmlessly in the forest, Shree Shantinath Bhagwan’s teachings guide souls toward peaceful living and spiritual awakening.
Hidden and Lesser-Known Facts
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He was the first Tirthankara to be born with three types of knowledge:
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Mati Gyan (sensory knowledge)
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Shrut Gyan (scriptural knowledge)
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Avadhi Gyan (clairvoyance)
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He was both a Tirthankara and a Chakravarti — a rare honor in Jain tradition.
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His Samavasaran was attended by humans, devas, and even wild animals, who listened peacefully to his sermons.
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Legends say that even wild beasts calmed down in his presence.
- His reign as Chakravarti lasted for more than 25,000 years, marked by justice and peace.
Nirvana (Moksha)
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Place: Sammed Shikharji, Jharkhand
- Attainment: After years of penance, he achieved Moksha, ending the cycle of birth and death.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who was Shree Shantinatha Bhagwan?
👉 He was the 16th Tirthankara of Jainism, known as the “Lord of Peace,” who taught non-violence, compassion, and self-discipline.
Q2. What is his symbol and its meaning?
👉 His symbol is the Deer, representing peace, gentleness, and compassion.
Q3. Where was he born?
👉 He was born in Hastinapur (Uttar Pradesh, India) to King Vishvasena and Queen Achira Devi.
Q4. What was his color and height according to Jain texts?
👉 He had a golden complexion and a height of 40 Dhanush (120 meters).
Q5. How long did he live?
👉 He lived for 100,000 years, according to Jain scriptures.
Q6. Where did he attain Nirvana?
👉 Shree Shantinatha Bhagwan attained Nirvana at Sammed Shikharji.
Q7. Did he rule as a Chakravarti?
👉 Yes, before renouncing the world, he was a Chakravarti (Universal Monarch), ruling with justice and peace.
Spiritual Significance
Shree Shantinatha Bhagwan’s life is a shining example of how one can balance worldly duties with spiritual pursuit. His message of peace, compassion, and non-violence remains timeless, guiding humanity toward harmony and liberation.
