Shree Suvidhinath Bhagwan – The Ninth Tirthankara

Shree Suvidhinath Bhagwan, also known as Pushpadanta Swami, is the ninth Tirthankara of the present Avasarpini (descending half-cycle of time). He was born in Kakandi (present-day Bihar) to King Sugriva and Queen Rama Devi of the Ikshvaku dynasty. His birth symbol (lanchhan) is the Makara (Crocodile), representing strength, perseverance, and the ability to overcome illusions of the material world.

He attained Keval Gyan (omniscience) through deep penance and meditation, preached the eternal truths of Jain Dharma, and ultimately attained Moksha (liberation) at Sammed Shikharji, the most sacred Jain pilgrimage site.

Birth and Childhood

• Parents: King Sugriva and Queen Rama Devi
  

• Birthplace: Kakandi (Bihar, India)
  

• Dynasty: Ikshvaku Dynasty
  

• Birth Name: Pushpadanta
  

• Symbol (Lanchhan): Makara (Crocodile)
  

• Sacred Tree: Patal Tree
  

• Yaksha: Ajita
  

• Yakshini: Sutaraka
  

From his childhood, Prince Pushpadanta displayed exceptional compassion, wisdom, and detachment from luxuries. Though born in a royal household, he leaned towards spirituality and meditation, preparing for his path as a future Tirthankara.

Previous Birth

In his past life, Suvidhinath Bhagwan was a righteous ruler who practiced self-restraint, generosity, and compassion. His pious karmas led to his rebirth as a Tirthankara, destined to guide countless beings toward liberation.

Renunciation and Spiritual Journey

After fulfilling his responsibilities as a prince, Suvidhinath renounced worldly life and accepted Diksha (ascetic initiation). Through rigorous tapasya (penance) and meditation under the Patal Tree, he attained Keval Gyan (omniscience), rising above all attachments and delusions.

Keval Gyan and Teachings

Upon attaining Keval Gyan, Suvidhinath Bhagwan established the Samavasaran (divine preaching hall) and spread the eternal truths of Jain Dharma. His core teachings included:

• Ahimsa (Non-Violence): Respect and compassion for all living beings.
  

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

• Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness): Freedom from material attachments.
  

• Vairagya (Detachment): Renouncing worldly illusions.
  

Nirvana (Liberation)

• Place: Sammed Shikharji (Parasnath Hills, Jharkhand)
  Shree Suvidhinath attained Nirvana, becoming a Siddha — a liberated soul beyond birth and death. His life remains a beacon of spiritual discipline, purity, and compassion.

Hidden and Spiritual Insights

• His Makara (Crocodile) symbol signifies inner strength and the ability to navigate the ocean of worldly illusions.
  

• His chief disciple (Gandhar) was Varadatta.
  

• He lived a divine height of 100 dhanush and a long lifespan as described in Jain scriptures, symbolizing the grandeur of Tirthankaras.
  

• His teachings emphasize inner purification over external rituals.
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shree Suvidhinath Bhagwan

Q1. What was Suvidhinath Bhagwan’s birth name?
👉 His birth name was Pushpadanta.

Q2. Where was Suvidhinath Bhagwan born?
👉 He was born in Kakandi (present-day Bihar, India).

Q3. What is the symbol (lanchhan) of Suvidhinath Bhagwan?
👉 His symbol is the Makara (Crocodile).

Q4. Under which tree did Suvidhinath Bhagwan attain Keval Gyan?
👉 He attained Keval Gyan under the Patal Tree.

Q5. Where did Suvidhinath Bhagwan attain Nirvana?
👉 He attained Nirvana at Sammed Shikharji (Parasnath Hills, Jharkhand).