JBT02 - Shree Ajitnath Bhagwan - The Second Tirthankara of Jainism
Shree Ajitnath Bhagwan – The Second Jain Tirthankara
Shree Ajitnath Bhagwan, the second Tirthankara of the current Avsarpini (descending cosmic cycle), holds a sacred place in Jain Dharma as a beacon of truth, detachment, and spiritual brilliance. His life inspires seekers to rise above material attachments and walk the path of self-realization.
Birth and Divine Signs
Born in Ayodhya to King Jitashatru and Queen Vijaya Devi of the Ikshvaku dynasty, Ajitnath Bhagwan’s birth was celebrated by humans and celestial beings alike. His arrival was foretold by the 14 auspicious dreams seen by Queen Vijaya Devi — visions of elephants, lions, the sun, moon, lotus, and other symbols that revealed the coming of a Tirthankara destined to uplift the world.
Past Life Connection
In his immediate past birth, he was King Vimalvahan, a Vidyadhar monarch renowned for discipline, generosity, and devotion to dharma. His sincere austerities and karmic purity earned him the Tirthankara-nam-karma, the special destiny to be reborn as a Tirthankara. This transformation highlights the Jain belief that liberation is accessible to anyone who walks the path of righteousness.
Renunciation and Spiritual Journey
At the age of 30 years, Ajitnath Bhagwan relinquished his throne, wealth, and worldly ties. In a grand ceremony, he embraced diksha (initiation into monkhood) and took the Digambar path (sky-clad asceticism), symbolizing absolute detachment.
For 12 years, he wandered through forests and villages, engaging in deep meditation, penance, and self-discipline. Ultimately, under the shade of a Shaal tree (in some traditions, a Saptaparna tree), he attained Keval Gyan (omniscience), freeing himself from all karmic bonds.
Enlightenment and Divine Teachings
After attaining omniscience, Ajitnath Bhagwan radiated Divya Dhvani — a divine, wordless sound understood by all beings in their own language. Through this, he shared the eternal truths of Jain Dharma.
His discourses emphasized:
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Ahimsa (non-violence) toward all living beings.
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Satya (truth) in thought, word, and deed.
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Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) as the key to inner peace.
- Forgiveness, compassion, and tolerance as essential virtues.
He also guided his followers through the Three Jewels (Ratnatraya):
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Samyak Darshan – Right Faith
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Samyak Gyan – Right Knowledge
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Samyak Charitra – Right Conduct
Under his leadership, a vast Sangh (monastic community) of monks, nuns, and lay followers blossomed, setting the tone for organized spiritual practice in Jainism.
Nirvana at Sammed Shikharji
Having completed his spiritual mission, Shree Ajitnath Bhagwan attained nirvana (moksha) at Sammed Shikharji, one of Jainism’s holiest pilgrimage sites. His liberation symbolizes the soul’s ultimate triumph over karma and samsara (the cycle of birth and death).
Hidden Insights – Lesser-Known Facts
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He was the first Tirthankara to establish a large monastic order after enlightenment.
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Celestial beings are said to have celebrated his Keval Gyan across the three realms.
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His Divya Dhvani was not spoken language but a divine resonance — understood equally by humans, animals, and devas.
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Despite his royal background, he renounced with remarkable ease — a lesson against today’s material obsessions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What was Shree Ajitnath Bhagwan’s past life?
👉 He was King Vimalvahan, a Vidyadhar ruler devoted to austerity and dharma.
Q2. At what age did he renounce worldly life?
👉 He renounced at 30 years, accepting monkhood and complete detachment.
Q3. How did he attain Keval Gyan?
👉 After 12 years of penance, under a Shaal tree, he attained omniscience.
Q4. What is Divya Dhvani?
👉 It is the divine, universal sound emitted by an enlightened Tirthankara, understood by all beings as spiritual guidance.
Essence
The life of Shree Ajitnath Bhagwan is a testament to the power of detachment, discipline, and truth. From a royal prince to a liberated soul, his journey reflects the eternal Jain message: true freedom lies not in wealth or power, but in conquering desires and attaining inner purity.
