Parshvanath
Parshvanath (also spelled Parshva or Parshwanatha) was the twenty-third Tirthankara of Jainism, one of the world’s oldest living religions that emphasises non-violence (ahimsa), truth, and renunciation. He is regarded as a historical and spiritual predecessor of Mahavira, the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara, and is credited with having played a pivotal role in shaping early Jain religious traditions. Parshvanath’s life, teachings, and legacy occupy a central position in Jain philosophy and art.
Historical Background
According to Jain tradition, Parshvanath lived around the 8th century BCE, approximately 250 years before Mahavira. He was born in Varanasi (Kashi), a prominent city in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India, into a royal family of the Ikshvaku dynasty. His father, King Ashvasena, ruled over Varanasi, and his mother was Queen Vama (Vama Devi).
From a young age, Parshvanath exhibited compassion, intelligence, and a strong inclination towards spiritual pursuits. He renounced worldly life at the age of 30 years after witnessing the suffering caused by attachment and ignorance. Following 84 days of meditation, he attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience)—the state of supreme knowledge and perception free from karmic bondage.
He spent the rest of his life preaching the principles of truth, non-violence, and self-restraint and achieved Moksha (liberation) at the age of 100 years on Mount Sammeta Shikhara (Parasnath Hill) in present-day Jharkhand, a sacred site for Jains even today.
Parshvanath as the 23rd Tirthankara
In Jain cosmology, a Tirthankara is a spiritual teacher who attains enlightenment and establishes the tirtha (spiritual ford) that enables others to cross the ocean of worldly existence (samsara). Parshvanath is the penultimate Tirthankara of the current time cycle (Avasarpini), preceding Mahavira.
He is historically significant because he represents the earliest identifiable figure in Jainism with concrete biographical details, suggesting the development of a structured religious tradition before Mahavira’s time.
Teachings and Philosophy
Parshvanath’s teachings emphasised the purification of the soul through right knowledge (samyag jnana), right faith (samyag darshana), and right conduct (samyag charitra). His doctrine was based on four principal vows (Chaturyama Dharma), which later evolved into the five great vows (Panch Mahavrata) under Mahavira.
The Four Great Vows of Parshvanath:
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): Abstaining from injury to all living beings through thought, word, or deed.
- Satya (Truth): Speaking and living truthfully.
- Asteya (Non-stealing): Avoiding taking anything not freely given.
- Aparigraha (Non-possession): Renouncing material attachments and desires.
Mahavira later added a fifth vow — Brahmacharya (Celibacy) — expanding Parshvanath’s code of conduct into the full Panch Mahavrata observed by Jain ascetics today.
Parshvanath’s philosophy centred on the path of renunciation, self-discipline, and compassion. He taught that liberation could only be achieved through moral purity, control of passions, and the gradual shedding of karma.
Religious Significance
Parshvanath holds a revered position among both major Jain sects—Digambara and Shvetambara—and is considered the earliest historical Tirthankara whose existence has some archaeological and textual support. His teachings form the doctrinal foundation upon which Mahavira later expanded.
In Jain religious literature, Parshvanath is credited with establishing the order of monks and nuns (Sangha), which continued until Mahavira reorganised it. The existence of pre-Mahavira Jain ascetics who followed Parshvanath’s fourfold code is attested in various Jain texts.
Iconography and Symbols
In Jain art and iconography, Parshvanath is easily identifiable by his distinctive emblem—a serpent (naga). He is often depicted in Padmasana (lotus posture) or Kayotsarga (standing meditation posture), sheltered by the seven-hooded serpent Sheshnaga spreading its canopy over his head.
Symbolic Attributes:
- Lanchhana (Emblem): Snake
- Colour: Green (symbolising peace and vitality)
- Yaksha (Male Attendant Deity): Dharanendra
- Yakshi (Female Attendant Deity): Padmavati
- Sacred Mountain: Sammeta Shikhara (Parasnath Hill)
According to legend, Dharanendra and Padmavati were divine beings who once protected Parshvanath from a storm conjured by a demon during his meditation, which explains their association with him in iconography.
Literature and Scriptural References
Numerous Jain scriptures and commentaries describe the life and teachings of Parshvanath, including:
- Kalpa Sutra: A canonical Jain text that provides detailed accounts of the lives of Parshvanath and Mahavira.
- Parshvanath Charitra: A narrative text in both Sanskrit and Prakrit chronicling his life story.
- Acharanga Sutra: Contains references to Parshvanath’s teachings and his emphasis on self-restraint.
His name also appears in Buddhist and Brahmanical texts, indicating his wide recognition in ancient Indian religious thought.
Parshvanath in Jain Architecture and Art
Parshvanath’s imagery and temples occupy a central place in Jain art across India. Prominent shrines dedicated to him include:
- Shri Sammed Shikharji (Jharkhand): The site of his nirvana; the most sacred Jain pilgrimage centre.
- Keshariaji (Rajasthan): One of the oldest temples dedicated to Parshvanath.
- Shankeshwar Parshvanath (Gujarat): A major Shvetambara temple.
- Karataka Parshvanath Temple (Karnataka) and Khajuraho Jain Temples (Madhya Pradesh) also feature his images.
His figure is also frequently found in Jain cave temples such as Ellora, Badami, and Shravanabelagola, demonstrating his popularity across both northern and southern India.
Legacy and Influence
Parshvanath’s influence on Jainism is enduring and profound. He represents the bridge between the early ascetic traditions and the systematised Jain doctrine of Mahavira. His fourfold code and emphasis on non-violence form the moral and spiritual core of Jain ethics.
Many Jain sects and sub-sects continue to venerate Parshvanath as their principal Tirthankara, particularly the Tera Panthi Shvetambara sect and various Digambara orders.
Beyond religious boundaries, his teachings of non-violence, compassion, and simplicity have universal appeal and continue to inspire ethical thought and ecological awareness in contemporary society.