Shree Padmaprabhu – The Sixth Jain Tirthankara

Shree Padmaprabhu, the sixth Tirthankara of Jainism, embodies purity, compassion, and spiritual awakening. Born in Kaushambi (U.P.) to King Dharanraj (Shridhar) and Queen Susima of the Ikshvaku dynasty, his life serves as a guiding light for seekers of truth.

His symbol is the Red Lotus (Padma), representing inner beauty, spiritual blossoming, and detachment. Associated with the color red, Padmaprabhu’s teachings emphasize non-violence, truth, non-possession, and self-discipline. He attained Nirvana at Sammed Shikharji, the holiest site of Jainism.

Birth and Childhood

• Parents: King Shridhar (Dharanraj) and Queen Susima
  

• Birthplace: Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh
  

• Lineage: Ikshvaku dynasty
  

• Birth Date: Kartik Shukla 14 (Chaturdashi)
  

• Symbol: Red Lotus (Padma)
  

From a young age, Padmaprabhu displayed wisdom, compassion, and detachment from worldly pleasures. His birth itself was marked by auspicious omens, symbolizing his future role as a spiritual guide.

Previous Birth

In his previous life, Padmaprabhu was King Aparajit, a noble ruler who lived a religious life. Under the guidance of Acharya Pihitashrava, he took spiritual vows and accumulated immense punya (merit), leading to his rebirth as a Tirthankara.

Spiritual Journey & Enlightenment

Despite being born into royalty, Padmaprabhu gradually realized the impermanence of worldly pleasures. His compassion for living beings and his quest for eternal truth led him to renounce his kingdom and embrace ascetic life.

Through deep meditation and penance, he attained Keval Gyan (omniscience), a state of infinite knowledge and perfect perception. His sermons in the Samavasaran attracted humans, animals, and celestial beings alike — all drawn to the divine radiance of his wisdom.

Teachings and Principles

Shree Padmaprabhu’s life revolved around the Five Core Jain Principles:

• Ahimsa (Non-Violence): Avoiding harm to all living beings.
  

• Satya (Truthfulness): Practicing honesty in speech and conduct.
  

• Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness): Detachment from material desires.
  

• Asteya (Non-Stealing): Respecting the possessions of others.
  

• Brahmacharya (Celibacy & Discipline): Living with purity and self-control.

His teachings emphasized that the human soul, like a lotus, may be born in a material world but has the potential to rise above and attain supreme purity.

Nirvana (Liberation)

• Place: Sammed Shikharji, Jharkhand
  

• Padmaprabhu attained Moksha (Nirvana) here, becoming a Siddha, a liberated soul free from the cycle of birth and death.
  

Unheard & Hidden Spiritual Insights

• The lotus in mud became a metaphor for his teachings: the soul, though born in a material world, can bloom into divine purity.
  
• He emphasized detachment without escapism — guiding householders and ascetics alike to live with balance.
  
• His aura was said to radiate such calmness that even in chaos, people found peace in his presence.
  
• Padmaprabhu’s message of mental stillness and discipline remains deeply relevant in today’s fast-paced world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Who was Shree Padmaprabhu in Jainism?
👉 He was the 6th Tirthankara of Jainism, born in Kaushambi to King Shridhar and Queen Susima, symbolized by the Red Lotus.

Q2. What is the meaning of the name Padmaprabhu?
👉 It means “Lord of the Lotus”, symbolizing purity, spiritual blossoming, and inner beauty.

Q3. What is his birth symbol?
👉 His symbol (Lanchhan) is the Red Lotus (Padma).

Q4. Where did he attain Keval Gyan (omniscience)?
👉 He attained Keval Gyan after years of deep meditation and penance, becoming an enlightened soul.

Q5. Where did Padmaprabhu attain Moksha (liberation)?
👉 He attained Nirvana at Sammed Shikharji, the most sacred Jain pilgrimage site.