Bhagwan Parshwanath

This Jain text, "Bhagwan Parshwanath" by the JAINA Education Committee, recounts the life and teachings of the 23rd Tirthankar, Bhagwan Parshwanath.

The narrative begins with the birth of Parshva-kumar, son of King Ashvasen of Varanasi and Queen Vämädevi, approximately 3000 years ago. His name was inspired by a snake seen by his mother during her pregnancy. Parshva-kumar grew into a virtuous and brave prince, marrying Princess Prabhävati.

A significant event in his early life involves a mendicant named Kamath, who practiced severe penance involving "Panchägni" (five fires). Parshva-kumar, sensing violence, intervened when he perceived a snake trapped in one of Kamath's burning logs. Upon being freed, the snake, though half-burnt, was given solace through the recitation of the Namaskar Mantra. This snake was later reborn as Dharanendra, the king of Nagkumars. Kamath, angered by Parshva-kumar's interference, vowed revenge and was later reborn as Meghamäli, the god of rain.

Driven by a deep understanding of worldly suffering, Parshva-kumar renounced his princely life at the age of 30, becoming a monk known as Parshvanath. During his meditation, Meghamäli, seeking revenge, unleashed fierce animals and heavy rains upon him. Parshvanath remained undisturbed. Dharanendra, remembering his past life and Parshvanath's kindness, intervened by creating a lotus to keep Parshvanath afloat in the rising waters and shielding him with his hoods from the rain. Dharanendra then rebuked Meghamäli, who, realizing his folly, repented and sought forgiveness.

Parshvanath attained omniscience on the 84th day of his renunciation, demonstrating perfect equanimity, unperturbed by either the aid or the harassment he received. He then began preaching the true religion, reinstating the Jain order and attracting numerous followers, including his parents and wife. He lived to the age of 100, spreading his teachings and ultimately attaining Nirvana at Sametshikhar, a significant pilgrimage site.

The text concludes by highlighting Parshva-kumar's profound sense of nonviolence and detachment from material possessions and relationships as crucial for self-realization. It emphasizes the importance of impartiality, whether facing well-wishers or adversaries, and suggests that others' actions might stem from past life karmas.