Shree Arnath Bhagwan - The Eighteenth Tirthankara

Shree Arnath Bhagwan was the 18th Tirthankara of the present Avasarpini Kaal in Jainism. He is celebrated for his teachings on non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), self-discipline (Brahmacharya), and detachment from worldly possessions. Born as a Chakravarti (universal ruler), he renounced his kingdom to pursue spiritual enlightenment, ultimately attaining Keval Gyan (omniscience) and Nirvana (liberation) at Sammed Shikharji. His symbol is the Nandavarta, and his guiding attendants were Shanmukh Yaksh Dev and Dhaarini Yakshini Devi.

Birth and Lineage

• Parents: King Sudarshan and Queen Devi
  

• Birthplace: Hastinapur, a prominent city of the Ikshvaku dynasty
  

• Birth Date: 10th day of the Migsar Krishna month
  

• Height & Complexion: As per Jain texts, he radiated divine grace
  

• Auspicious Signs: His birth was celebrated with prosperity and joy in the kingdom
  

• Symbol (Lanchhan): Nandavarta, representing spiritual progress and auspiciousness
  

From an early age, he displayed signs of detachment, indicating his future as a Tirthankara.

Life as a Chakravarti and Renunciation

Before becoming a Tirthankara, Arnath Bhagwan ruled as the eighth Chakravarti, conquering six continents and ruling with justice and wisdom. Despite immense power and glory, he realized the impermanence of worldly pleasures, particularly during seasonal changes, which inspired him to renounce his kingdom and embrace the path of spiritual awakening.

Keval Gyan (Omniscience)

Through intense meditation and self-discipline, Shree Arnath Bhagwan attained Keval Gyan, the ultimate knowledge of the universe, transcending all worldly illusions. He taught:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence) – compassion towards all living beings
  

• Satya (Truthfulness) – adherence to truth in thought, word, and deed
  

• Brahmacharya (Self-discipline) – controlling desires to achieve spiritual growth
  

• Detachment – renouncing material pleasures to focus on the soul’s liberation
  

Nirvana (Liberation)

Shree Arnath Bhagwan achieved Moksha (Nirvana) at Sammed Shikharji, one of Jainism’s most sacred pilgrimage sites. His liberation symbolizes the triumph of spiritual discipline over worldly attachments and continues to inspire Jain devotees on the path of self-purification and enlightenment.

Symbolism

• Animal Symbol: Fish (Matsya) – representing movement and spiritual progress; just as a fish moves effortlessly through water, a devotee should progress steadily toward liberation.

Hidden and Lesser-Known Facts

• Before becoming a Tirthankara, he was a Chakravarti, displaying immense power and righteousness.
  

• Despite being a king, he renounced worldly pleasures at a young age.
  

• His spiritual journey was marked by intense penance, leading to Keval Gyan.
  

• He remains a role model for transitioning from worldly authority to spiritual liberation.
  

Q&A on Shree Arnath Bhagwan

Q1. What was his main teaching?
👉 Non-violence, truthfulness, and detachment from material pleasures.

Q2. Where was he born?
👉 Hastinapur, the city associated with many Jain Tirthankars.

Q3. Where did he attain Nirvana?
👉 Sammed Shikharji, a revered Jain pilgrimage site.

Q4. What is his significance in Jainism?
👉 He exemplifies how a worldly king can renounce everything to attain ultimate liberation.