JBT03 - Shree Sambhavanatha Bhagwan – The Third Tirthankara of Jainism
Shree Sambhavanatha Bhagwan – The Third Tirthankara of Jainism
In the revered lineage of the 24 Tirthankaras, Shree Sambhavanatha Bhagwan shines as the third Tirthankara of the current cosmic cycle (Avasarpini). His life, marked by compassion, wisdom, and renunciation, reflects the timeless Jain ideals of non-violence, truth, and detachment.
Though born into royalty, his destiny was not limited to worldly grandeur. Instead, he chose the path of self-realization and spiritual awakening, becoming a guiding light for countless souls. His name, “Sambhavanatha,” signifies auspiciousness, reflecting the purity and divinity he embodied throughout his journey.
Past Birth of Shree Sambhavanatha Bhagwan
Before his birth as a Tirthankara, Sambhavanatha Bhagwan was a righteous and noble king. Known for his compassionate rule, generosity, and devotion to dharma, he balanced worldly duties with a spiritual inclination. Despite living amidst luxuries, he remained detached, practicing charity, penance, and non-violence.
Upon completing his lifespan, his virtuous soul ascended to the heavenly realms (Devaloka). Owing to his accumulated Tirthankara-nam-karma (special karmic merit), he was destined to take birth as the 3rd Tirthankara and guide humanity towards liberation.
Birth and Childhood of Sambhavanatha Bhagwan
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Birthplace: Shravasti (present-day Uttar Pradesh, India)
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Parents: King Jitari and Queen Susenā, of the Ikshvaku dynasty
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Birth Date: 14th day of the bright half of Margshirsha month (as per Jain tradition)
His birth brought divine prosperity and serenity to the land. Auspicious signs and celebrations marked his arrival, signifying the descent of a great soul.
From childhood, Sambhavanatha Bhagwan displayed extraordinary wisdom. Unlike other princes, he was never drawn to luxury or play. Instead, he preferred engaging in spiritual discussions, meditation, and reflections on karma, life, and liberation. Even sages were astonished by the depth of his knowledge and detachment at such a young age.
Renunciation and Spiritual Journey
Although he had all the pleasures of royal life, Sambhavanatha chose the path of renunciation (diksha) at a young age. Leaving behind his throne, wealth, and worldly attachments, he adopted asceticism and immersed himself in tapasya (penance), dhyana (meditation), and self-purification.
Through years of austerity, he attained supreme purity and inner strength, which led him to the highest stage of realization.
Keval Gyan (Omniscience)
After deep meditation under a Sal tree, Sambhavanatha attained Keval Gyan (absolute knowledge). With this state of omniscience, he became all-knowing and free from karmic bondage.
Following this, he delivered divine sermons (Divya Dhvani), where humans, animals, and celestial beings gathered in his Samavasarana (divine preaching hall) to listen to his teachings. His guidance illuminated the eternal truths of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Aparigraha (non-possession), and self-discipline.
Nirvana (Moksha)
After his spiritual mission, Sambhavanatha Bhagwan attained Nirvana (liberation), breaking free from the cycle of birth and death. His soul now resides eternally in Siddha Kshetra, a realm of liberated souls, radiating purity and bliss.
Symbols and Iconography
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Emblem: Horse (Ashwa) – symbolizing energy, vitality, and spiritual progress
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Tree of Enlightenment: Sal Tree
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Yaksha: Trimukha
- Yakshini: Duritari
Hidden & Lesser-Known Facts about Sambhavanatha Bhagwan
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He possessed three types of knowledge from birth — Mati Gyan, Shrut Gyan, and Avadhi Gyan — an extremely rare occurrence.
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His height is described as 400 dhanusha (~1200 meters) according to Jain scriptures, reflecting the divine scale of ancient times.
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His lifespan is believed to have been 6 million purva years, as per Jain cosmology.
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His Samavasarana was attended not just by humans and devas, but also by animals, all of whom could understand his divine sound (Divya Dhvani).
- The name Sambhavanatha means “One who embodies auspiciousness”, highlighting his role in uplifting countless beings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who was Shree Sambhavanatha Bhagwan?
👉 He was the 3rd Tirthankara of Jainism, born in Shravasti, who renounced royal life and attained omniscience, guiding humanity on the path of liberation.
Q2. What is the symbol of Sambhavanatha Bhagwan?
👉 His emblem is the Horse (Ashwa), symbolizing spiritual strength and energy.
Q3. When did he take renunciation (diksha)?
👉 He renounced worldly life at a young age, embracing asceticism and penance.
Q4. How did he attain Keval Gyan (omniscience)?
👉 Through years of deep meditation and austerities, he attained omniscience under a Sal tree.
Q5. What was his lifespan?
👉 As per scriptures, Sambhavanatha Bhagwan lived for 6 million purva years and guided countless beings during his lifetime.
Shree Sambhavanatha Bhagwan’s life reminds us that true peace lies not in material wealth but in self-realization, compassion, and liberation from the cycle of karma.
