Shree Abhinandan Bhagwan – The Fourth Jain Tirthankara

In the sacred lineage of the 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism, Shree Abhinandan Bhagwan is revered as the fourth Tirthankara of the present cosmic cycle (Avasarpini). His life embodies compassion, humility, detachment, and spiritual discipline. He guided countless beings on the path of dharma (righteousness), teaching that liberation is attained through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

Birth and Childhood

Shree Abhinandan Bhagwan was born in the Ikshvaku dynasty at Ayodhya to King Samvara and Queen Siddhartha. His birth took place on Magh Shukla Dwitiya, an auspicious day in Jain tradition. The name “Abhinandan” means “one who is celebrated with joy,” signifying the happiness and divine grace his birth brought to the kingdom.

At the time of his birth, celestial beings celebrated, and Queen Siddhartha had auspicious dreams foretelling his greatness. His complexion was golden, radiating spiritual brilliance. His emblem is the monkey, symbolizing vigilance and intelligence.

Royal Life and Renunciation

Although born into royalty, Abhinandan Bhagwan displayed detachment from worldly pleasures from a young age. He ruled with compassion and wisdom, but at the age of 30,000 years he renounced his throne to embrace the ascetic life. On Magh Shukla Dwadashi, he accepted diksha (monkhood) along with one thousand other ascetics. The event was celebrated by celestial beings and humans alike.

Asceticism and Enlightenment

After eighteen years of deep meditation and austerity, he attained Keval Jnana (omniscience) under a Priyangu tree. With this supreme knowledge, he understood the eternal truths of the soul, karma, and liberation. His first sermon focused on Asharan Bhavna, which teaches the impermanence of worldly life and the absence of external shelter from death and suffering. He guided humanity toward self-discipline, non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha).

Moksha (Liberation)

After preaching the path of dharma for countless years, Abhinandan Bhagwan attained Moksha at Sammed Shikharji on Vaishakh Shukla Ashtami. Along with him, one thousand monks also attained liberation. His soul now resides eternally in Siddhashila, the realm of liberated souls, beyond the cycle of birth and death.

Hidden and Lesser-Known Facts

• In his past life as King Mahabal, a divine sage foretold that he would become a Tirthankara.
  

• His Yaksha and Yakshini are Yakshesvara and Vajrasrinkala, who are believed to protect and assist devotees.
  

• His idols are usually depicted in calm meditative postures, often seated, reflecting his tranquil nature.
  

• An ancient temple dedicated to him stands in Ayodhya, his birthplace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Why is he called Abhinandan?
👉 Because his birth brought immense joy and celebration among humans and celestial beings.

Q2. What was his main teaching?
👉 His first discourse emphasized Asharan Bhavna, reminding devotees of life’s uncertainty and urging them to seek inner refuge through spiritual discipline.

Q3. Where did he attain Moksha?
👉 He attained Nirvana at Sammed Shikharji, the holiest Jain pilgrimage site.

Q4. What makes him unique among the Tirthankaras?
👉 His reign was marked by peace and prosperity, and he renounced without facing major struggles, unlike several other Tirthankaras.

Essence

Shree Abhinandan Bhagwan’s life is a beacon of humility, detachment, and eternal truth, inspiring souls to rise above material attachments and walk the path toward liberation.