Shree Suparshwanath Bhagwan – The Seventh Tirthankara

Shree Suparshvanath Bhagwan, the seventh Tirthankara of Jainism, was born in Varanasi (Kashi) to King Supratishtha and Queen Prithvishena of the Ikshvaku dynasty. His life reflects the eternal Jain values of non-violence, truth, and detachment, guiding countless souls on the path of liberation.

His emblem is the Swastik, a sacred symbol of auspiciousness, purity, and the spiritual journey of the soul. He attained Keval Gyan (omniscience) under the Sirisa tree and achieved Nirvana at Sammed Shikharji (Parasnath Hills), one of the holiest Jain pilgrimage sites.

Birth and Childhood

• Parents: King Supratishtha and Queen Prithvishena
  

• Birthplace: Varanasi (Kashi)
  

• Dynasty: Ikshvaku dynasty
  

• Symbol (Lanchhan): Swastik
  

• Yaksha: Matanga
  

• Yakshini: Varnini
  

• Associated Tree: Sirisa
  

From childhood, Suparshvanath exhibited calmness, wisdom, and detachment from worldly desires. His birth was celebrated with divine signs such as showers of fragrant flowers, symbolizing purity and enlightenment.

Previous Birth

In his earlier life, Shree Suparshvanath lived as a devout and virtuous ruler who practiced compassion and self-restraint. His spiritual progress and vows in that lifetime prepared him to be reborn as a Tirthankara, destined to guide humanity towards liberation.

Renunciation and Spiritual Journey

At the age of 30 years, Suparshvanath renounced his royal life and took Diksha (monastic initiation), embracing asceticism. He devoted himself to meditation, penance, and spiritual discipline, inspiring many with his simplicity and inner strength.

Keval Gyan (Omniscience)

After years of intense meditation, Shree Suparshvanath attained Keval Gyan (omniscience) under the Sirisa tree, a tree revered for its symbolism of wisdom, serenity, and divine knowledge. With omniscience, he became an enlightened teacher, spreading the eternal truths of Jain dharma.

Teachings and Principles

Shree Suparshvanath preached the Three Jewels of Jainism:

• Samyak Darshan (Right Faith)
  

• Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge)
  

• Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct)
  

He emphasized:

• Ahimsa (Non-Violence): No harm to any living being.
  

• Satya (Truth): Living with honesty and integrity.
  

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

• Self-Discipline: Restraining desires to achieve inner purity.
  

His serene and compassionate presence uplifted countless beings — humans, animals, and celestial beings alike.

Nirvana (Liberation)

• Place: Sammed Shikharji (Parasnath Hills), Jharkhand
  

• After many years of spreading the divine message, Shree Suparshvanath attained Nirvana (liberation), freeing himself from the cycle of birth and death, and became a Siddha — a soul of infinite bliss and purity.

Hidden and Spiritual Insights

• His Swastik symbol not only represents auspiciousness but also the four gatis (destinies) — human, celestial, animal/hellish, and liberation — reminding followers of the ultimate goal: Moksha.
  

• His compassion extended to the smallest beings, embodying true Ahimsa.
  

• The Sirisa tree, under which he attained Keval Gyan, symbolizes wisdom and calmness, qualities reflected in his own life.
  

• His life teaches the control of desires, the root cause of suffering and bondage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shree Suparshvanath Bhagwan

Q1. What is the symbol (lanchhan) of Shree Suparshvanath Bhagwan?
👉 His symbol is the Swastik, representing auspiciousness and the soul’s journey.

Q2. Where did Shree Suparshvanath attain Keval Gyan?
👉 He attained Keval Gyan under the Sirisa tree.

Q3. Where did he attain Nirvana?
👉 He attained Nirvana at Sammed Shikharji (Parasnath Hills).

Q4. What are the core principles of his teachings?
👉 Non-violence, truth, non-possession, right knowledge, and self-discipline.

Q5. Why is Shree Suparshvanath Bhagwan significant in today’s world?
👉 His teachings of peace, detachment, and compassion guide humanity towards living ethically and mindfully, even amidst modern chaos.