JBT08 - Shree Chandraprabhu Bhagwan - The Eighth Tirthankara

Shree Chandraprabhu Bhagwan – The Eighth Tirthankara
Shree Chandraprabhu Bhagwan, the eighth Tirthankara of the present Avasarpini (descending half-cycle of time), was born in Chandrapuri (present-day Varanasi/Kashi) to King Mahasen and Queen Lakshmana Devi of the Ikshvaku dynasty. His life is a shining example of the Jain ideals of Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), Satya (truth), and renunciation.
His symbol (lanchhan) is the Moon (Chandra), representing calmness, purity, and serenity. He attained Keval Gyan (omniscience) at the age of 25 after deep meditation and achieved Nirvana (liberation), becoming a Siddha — a pure, liberated soul beyond the cycle of birth and death.
Birth and Childhood
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Parents: King Mahasen and Queen Lakshmana Devi
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Birthplace: Chandrapuri (Varanasi/Kashi, Uttar Pradesh)
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Dynasty: Ikshvaku dynasty
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Symbol (Lanchhan): Moon (Chandra)
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Yaksha: Vijaya
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Yakshini: Bhrikuti
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Associated Tree: Naga Pushpa
At his birth, the moon shone with extraordinary brilliance, filling the kingdom with divine radiance. From an early age, Chandraprabhu Bhagwan displayed serenity, detachment, and compassion, reflecting the qualities of a future Tirthankara.
Previous Birth
In his past life, Chandraprabhu practiced righteousness and compassion as a devout ruler. His unwavering discipline, non-violence, and devotion to dharma prepared his soul to be reborn as a Tirthankara.
Renunciation and Spiritual Journey
At the age of 25 years, Shree Chandraprabhu renounced his royal life, took Diksha (monastic initiation), and embraced asceticism. Through intense meditation and discipline, he conquered desires and worldly attachments, inspiring countless followers to live ethically and simply.
Keval Gyan (Omniscience)
After years of penance, Chandraprabhu attained Keval Gyan under the sacred Naga Pushpa tree. With this, he became an enlightened teacher who shared the eternal truths of Jain Dharma with clarity and compassion.
Samavasaran – The Divine Assembly
After enlightenment, Shree Chandraprabhu delivered sermons from the Samavasaran (divine preaching hall), where humans, animals, and celestial beings gathered together. His words were understood by all in their own languages, symbolizing universal compassion, harmony, and equality.
Teachings and Principles
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Ahimsa (Non-Violence): No harm to any living being.
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Satya (Truthfulness): Living with honesty and integrity.
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Aparigraha (Non-Possession): Freedom from greed and attachment.
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Self-Discipline: Control over desires and passions.
- Compassion: Equal respect for all souls.
His life emphasizes that true peace and happiness lie not in wealth or power, but in spiritual realization and righteous conduct.
Nirvana (Liberation)
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Place: Sammed Shikharji (Parasnath Hills), Jharkhand
After preaching dharma and guiding countless beings, Shree Chandraprabhu attained Nirvana, attaining eternal bliss and purity as a Siddha.
Hidden and Spiritual Insights
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His Moon symbol represents purity, tranquility, and the soul’s calm radiance.
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He lived a divine height of 150 dhanush (approx. 450 ft.) and a lifespan of 10 lakh purvas (symbolic of the grandeur of Tirthankaras).
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His teachings continue to align with modern values — simplicity, sustainability, compassion, and mindful living.
- The Samavasaran highlights equality, where all beings — humans, animals, and celestial — are given equal access to truth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shree Chandraprabhu Bhagwan
Q1. Who was Shree Chandraprabhu Bhagwan?
👉 The eighth Tirthankara of the present Avasarpini, revered for his teachings of non-violence, detachment, and truth.
Q2. Where was Shree Chandraprabhu Bhagwan born?
👉 He was born in Chandrapuri (modern-day Varanasi/Kashi, Uttar Pradesh).
Q3. What is the symbol (lanchhan) of Shree Chandraprabhu Bhagwan?
👉 His symbol is the Moon, representing calmness, serenity, and purity.
Q4. At what age did he renounce the world and attain Keval Gyan?
👉 He took Diksha at the age of 25 years and attained Keval Gyan under the Naga Pushpa tree.
Q5. Where did Shree Chandraprabhu attain Nirvana?
👉 He attained Nirvana at Sammed Shikharji (Parasnath Hills), Jharkhand.