Shantinatha Bhagwan – The Sixteenth Tirthankara

Shantinatha Bhagwan was the sixteenth Tirthankara of the present Avasarpini Kaal (the descending half-cycle of time) in Jainism. True to his name, “Shanti” meaning peace, he symbolized harmony, spiritual wisdom, and self-discipline. He guided countless souls toward Moksha through his teachings of Ahimsa (non-violence), Dharma, and renunciation.

Birth and Early Life of Shantinatha Bhagwan

Shantinatha Bhagwan was born in Hastinapur (present-day Uttar Pradesh, India) to King Vishvasen and Queen Achira of the Ikshvaku dynasty. His birth brought immense peace to the kingdom and was marked by divine signs. He had a golden complexion and stood at a majestic height of 40 Dhanush (approximately 120 meters). His symbol is the Deer, representing gentleness, compassion, and calmness.

Shree Shantinatha Bhagwan lived for an extraordinary 1 lakh years and attained Keval Gyan (omniscience) before achieving Moksha at Sammed Shikharji.

Life Events & Kalyanaks of Shantinatha Bhagwan

• Garbh Kalyanak (Conception) – Marked by auspicious dreams of Queen Achira foretelling the birth of a divine soul.
• Janma Kalyanak (Birth) – Celebrated across Hastinapur as a sign of peace and prosperity.
• Rajyabhishek (Coronation) – Became a Chakravarti (Universal Monarch) known for his just and compassionate rule.
• Diksha Kalyanak (Renunciation) – Renounced all worldly pleasures and took Diksha to pursue spiritual awakening.
• Keval Gyan Kalyanak (Omniscience) – Attained supreme knowledge through intense meditation and self-discipline.
• Nirvan Kalyanak (Liberation) – Attained Moksha at Sammed Shikharji.

Lesser-Known & Interesting Facts of Shantinatha Bhagwan

• Triple Knowledge at Birth – He was born with Mati Gyan, Shrut Gyan, and Avadhi Gyan.
• Chakravarti Legacy – Before becoming a Tirthankara, he ruled as a Universal Monarch with great wisdom and compassion.
• Peaceful Aura – Wild animals were said to calm down in his presence.
• Samavasaran – His divine preaching hall was attended by humans, celestial beings, and animals alike.
• Birth Celebrations – His birth is commemorated with bhakti sangeet, rituals, and fasting.

Worship & Temples of Shantinatha Bhagwan

• Hastinapur Jain Temples – A revered pilgrimage site celebrating his birthplace with grand shrines.
• Sammed Shikharji – Sacred hill where he attained Nirvana.
• Kundalpur and Other Temples – Temples across India depict his calm image with the deer symbol.

Shantinatha Bhagwan: Questions & Answers

1) Who was Shantinatha Bhagwan?
He was the 16th Tirthankara in Jainism, known for promoting peace, compassion, and spiritual growth.

2) What is the symbol (Lanchan) of Shantinatha Bhagwan?
His symbol is the Deer, symbolizing gentleness, non-violence, and tranquility.

3) Where was Shantinatha Bhagwan born?
He was born in Hastinapur, present-day Uttar Pradesh, India.

4) What was his height and complexion?
He had a golden complexion and stood at 40 Dhanush (approximately 120 meters).

5) How long did Shantinatha Bhagwan live?
He lived for 1 lakh years as per Jain scriptures.