JBT15 - Shree Dharmanath Bhagwan - The Fifteenth Tirthankara
Shree Dharmanath Bhagwan – The Fifteenth Tirthankara
Shree Dharmanath Bhagwan, the 15th Tirthankara of the present Avasarpini era, is revered as the embodiment of Dharma (righteousness), detachment, and self-realization. His symbol (lanchhan) is the Vajra (thunderbolt), representing spiritual strength, resilience, and unshakable determination.
Birth and Lineage
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Parents: King Bhanu Raja and Queen Suvrata Devi
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Dynasty: Ikshvaku
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Birthplace: Ratnapuri (present-day Ratnapur)
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Birth Date: 3rd day of the bright half of Magh month
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Symbol (Lanchhan): Vajra (thunderbolt)
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Yaksha: Kinnara
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Yakshini: Kandarpa Devi
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Sacred Tree: Chyut Tree
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Complexion (Varna): Golden
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Height: 45 Dhanush (approx. 135 meters / 148 feet)
His birth was celebrated with divine signs, and his mother saw auspicious dreams symbolizing his future greatness.
Childhood and Early Life
- From an early age, Dharmanath Bhagwan displayed wisdom, detachment, and compassion. Unlike other princes, he was naturally inclined toward meditation, truthfulness, and discipline, astonishing all with his spiritual maturity.
The Five Kalyanaks (Auspicious Events)
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Chyavan Kalyanak (Conception): Marked by auspicious dreams of Queen Suvrata Devi.
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Janma Kalyanak (Birth): Born in Ratnapuri with divine celebrations.
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Diksha Kalyanak (Renunciation): At age 30, he renounced worldly life along with 1000 followers, adopting the ascetic path.
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Kevalgyan Kalyanak (Omniscience): After 2 years of penance, he attained Kevalgyan, realizing the ultimate truth.
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Nirvana Kalyanak (Liberation): He attained Moksha at Sammed Shikharji, a revered Jain pilgrimage site.
Teachings and Philosophy
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Path of Righteousness (Dharma): True Dharma lies in non-violence, truth, honesty, and self-discipline.
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Detachment: He emphasized renunciation of desires and attachments, as they are the root cause of suffering.
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Equality and Compassion: He preached universal compassion and respect for all living beings.
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Overcoming Kashayas: He guided aspirants to conquer the four passions — anger, ego, deceit, and greed.
- Self-Realization: He taught meditation and self-reflection as the path to Moksha.
Nirvana (Moksha)
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Place: Sammed Shikharji, Jharkhand
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Event: Attained Nirvana, achieving infinite bliss, liberation, and knowledge.
Hidden and Lesser-Known Facts
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Previous Life: In his past birth, he was King Dridhrath of Bhaddilpur, a noble ruler who practiced detachment and penance.
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Symbol Significance: His Vajra (thunderbolt) is a mark of indestructible willpower on the path of Dharma.
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Yaksha & Yakshini: His attendants were Kinnara Yaksha and Kandarpa Devi Yakshini.
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Height & Color: He was 45 Dhanush tall with a golden complexion.
- Renunciation Impact: His renunciation inspired 1000 people to embrace asceticism with him.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why is Shree Dharmanath Bhagwan important in Jainism?
👉 He is revered for his emphasis on Dharma, detachment, and spiritual self-realization, guiding aspirants on the path to Moksha.
Q2. What is his main teaching?
👉 His teachings focus on living a righteous life, conquering passions, and seeking liberation through self-realization.
Q3. What is the significance of his symbol, Vajra?
👉 The Vajra (thunderbolt) represents unwavering strength, determination, and spiritual resilience.
Q4. Where did Shree Dharmanath Bhagwan attain Nirvana?
👉 He attained Nirvana at Sammed Shikharji, one of the holiest Jain pilgrimage sites.
Q5. What was his previous life before becoming a Tirthankara?
👉 In his past life, he was King Dridhrath of Bhaddilpur, who lived with detachment and piety.
Spiritual Significance
Shree Dharmanath Bhagwan’s life reminds us that true Dharma is beyond rituals — it is in self-discipline, compassion, and conquering inner weaknesses. His Vajra symbolizes the power of determination in walking the spiritual path.
