Shree Parshwanath Bhagwan - The Twenty-third Tirthankara

Shree Parshwanath Bhagwan, the 23rd Tirthankara of the current Avasarpini Kaal, is revered as the earliest Jain Tirthankara with a possible historical existence. He is celebrated for spreading non-violence (Ahimsa), truth, non-possessiveness, and asceticism, and for laying the foundations of the Karma philosophy in Jainism.

Birth and Family

• Parents: King Ashvasena and Queen Vamadevi of the Ikshvaku dynasty
  

• Birthplace: Varanasi (Banaras), India
  

• Birth Date: Tenth day of the dark half of the month of Paush (Jain calendar)
  

• Symbol (Lanchan): Snake (Sheshnaag), representing protection, wisdom, and spiritual strength
  

• Childhood: Even as a child, he showed compassion, wisdom, and leadership, intervening to prevent animal sacrifices and guiding people toward non-violence
  

Renunciation and Ascetic Life

• Renunciation: At the age of 30, he renounced worldly life to pursue spiritual enlightenment
  

• Meditation and Penances: Undertook severe austerities and meditation to purify the soul
  

• Followers: His disciples practiced the four vows (Chaturyama): Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), and Aparigraha (non-possession)
  

Keval Gyan (Omniscience)

• Attained Keval Gyan after 84 days of deep meditation
  

• Realized the ultimate truth of the universe
  

• Preached Ahimsa, Satya, Aparigraha, and ascetic discipline to monks, nuns, and householders
  

Nirvana (Liberation)

• Attained Nirvana at Sammet Shikhar (Parasnath Hills, Jharkhand)
  

• His soul merged into infinite bliss, ending the cycle of birth and death

Symbolism and Legacy

• Snake (Sheshnaag): Represents spiritual protection and divine energy
  

• Saved a serpent trapped in a burning log, who later became Dharanendra, the serpent deity protecting him during meditation
  

• His teachings paved the way for Mahavira’s five great vows
  

• Followers are known as Parshwanath Panthis, forming a major Jain sect
  

Unknown & Lesser-Known Facts

• First Tirthankara with widely acknowledged historical existence
  
• Briefly engaged or married before renunciation
  
• Divine energy attracted kings, scholars, and thousands of followers
  
• Protected by Dharanendra from storm attacks by Meghmali during meditation

Questions & Answers

Q1. How is Parshwanath Bhagwan different from other Tirthankaras?
👉 He is the first historically verified Tirthankara and revived the four vows, which were later expanded by Mahavira.

Q2. Why is he associated with snakes?
👉 The serpent deity Dharanendra protected him during meditation from Meghmali’s storm attack.

Q3. Where did he attain Nirvana?
👉 At Sammet Shikhar (Parasnath Hills, Jharkhand), a major Jain pilgrimage site.

Q4. Did Parshwanath Bhagwan marry before renunciation?
👉 Some scriptures indicate he was briefly engaged or married, but his spiritual inclination led him to renounce the world at age 30.