Parsvanatha

Parsvanatha

by Swami Sivananda

Parsva is regarded as an incarnation of Indra. He was the son of King Visvasena of Kashi, a descendant of the Ikshvaku family, and Queen Bama Devi, daughter of King Mahipala. He was the twenty-third Tirthankara. He was born on the eleventh day of the dark fortnight in the month of Pousha in the year 872 B.C.

Parsvanatha began to practise the twelve vows of a householder when he was only eight years old.

Prince Parsva was now sixteen years old. He was sitting on the throne. His father Visvasena said, “My son, in order to continue our celebrated royal dynasty, you must marry now. At the desire of Nabhi Raja, Rishabha had to marry”.

Parsvanatha was very much frightened when he heard the words of his father. He said, “My life-period will not be so extensive as that of Rishabha. I am to live only a few score years. I have already wasted sixteen years in boyish sports. I must enter the order in my thirtieth year. Should I then have a married life for so short a period in the hope of getting pleasures which are, after all, only imperfect, transient and illusory?”

Parsvanatha’s heart was filled with a spirit of renunciation. He reflected within himself: “For long, long years I enjoyed the status of Indra and yet the lust for pleasures did not decrease. Enjoyment of pleasures only increases the lust for pleasures, just as the addition of fuel only increases the virulence of fire. Pleasures at the time of enjoyment are pleasant, but their consequences are surely disastrous.

“The soul experiences from beginningless time the sufferings of birth, old age, etc., on account of its attachment to the objects of this world. To satisfy the cravings of his senses, man wanders in the realm of pain. So that he may have sensual gratification, he does not heed the moral injunctions and he commits the worst vices. He kills living animals to enjoy the pleasures of the senses. Lust is at the root of theft, greed, adultery and all vices and crimes.

“As a consequence of sinful acts, the soul is forced to migrate from birth to birth in the kingdom of the lower animals etc., and to suffer the torments of hell. This lust for pleasures must be shunned ruthlessly. So long I have wasted my life. I am not going to spend any more time in the vain pursuit of pleasures. I shall be serious and practise right conduct.”

Prince Parsva had the twelve Anuprekshas or meditations. He resolved to abandon the world. He took leave of his parents and then left his house. He retired into the forest. He became absolutely naked. He turned towards the north and bowed to the great Emancipated Siddhas. He plucked five tufts of hair from his head and became a monk.

Parsva practised fasting. He observed with scrupulous care the twenty-eight primary and the ninety-four secondary rules of the order of monks. He was found lost in meditation. He attained the pure omniscience. He attained the final liberation in the Sammeda Hill which is known today as the Parsvanatha Hill.

Parsvanatha preached in Kashi, Kosi, Kosala, Panchala, Maharashtra, Magadha, Avanti, Malava, Anga and Vanga. Many joined the Jain faith. Parsvanatha spent seventy years in preaching.

Mahavira modified and enlarged what had already been taught by Parsvanatha. He did not preach anything which was absolutely new.

Parsvanatha lived for one hundred years. He abandoned his home when he was thirty years old. He left home in 842 B.C. and attained Nirvana in 772 B.C.

Glory to Parsvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankara!

Parsvanatha: The Twenty-Third Tirthankara of Jainism

Parsvanatha is revered as the twenty-third Tirthankara in Jainism and is one of the most respected spiritual teachers in the Jain tradition. He lived centuries before Mahavira and devoted his life to guiding people toward righteousness, non-violence, truth, self-discipline, and spiritual liberation. His teachings emphasized compassion for all living beings, detachment from worldly desires, and the importance of ethical conduct. The life of Parsvanatha continues to inspire millions of followers who seek peace, self-control, and spiritual wisdom. Devotional India encourages readers to understand the timeless message of this great spiritual master with respect and sincerity.

Understanding Parsvanatha begins with his emphasis on Ahimsa, or non-violence. He taught that every living being deserves compassion and respect, regardless of its size or form. This principle extends beyond physical actions to include kind speech and pure thoughts. By practicing non-violence in daily life, individuals cultivate inner peace while contributing to harmony within society. His teachings continue to remind people that compassion is one of the highest expressions of spirituality.

One of the most significant teachings of Parsvanatha is the importance of truthfulness and honesty. He encouraged people to speak truth with kindness and integrity while avoiding deceit or harmful words. Along with truthfulness, he emphasized non-stealing, self-restraint, and freedom from excessive attachment to material possessions. These ethical values help purify the mind and strengthen character, creating the foundation for spiritual growth. Devotional India reminds readers that genuine spirituality is reflected through righteous conduct in everyday life.

Another important aspect of Parsvanatha is his teaching on detachment. He explained that attachment to worldly pleasures often leads to suffering and prevents inner freedom. By cultivating simplicity, contentment, and self-discipline, seekers gradually overcome greed, pride, anger, and selfishness. Meditation, self-reflection, and ethical living become powerful tools for developing a calm and balanced mind. These practices help individuals progress steadily toward spiritual realization.

The teachings of Parsvanatha also emphasize meditation and self-control. Through regular contemplation and disciplined living, individuals learn to observe their thoughts and actions with greater awareness. This process helps reduce negative emotions while strengthening patience, humility, and compassion. A peaceful mind naturally becomes more receptive to spiritual wisdom. Devotional India highlights that meditation and ethical living work together to create lasting inner harmony.

Developing the qualities taught by Parsvanatha requires patience, perseverance, and sincere effort. Practicing non-violence, speaking truthfully, living simply, and treating every living being with kindness gradually transform character. Daily meditation, self-examination, and acts of compassion strengthen spiritual awareness and encourage a life of responsibility. Every positive action becomes a step toward greater wisdom and inner peace.

The legacy of Parsvanatha continues to inspire people across generations because his teachings are based on universal values that remain relevant today. His message encourages humanity to live with compassion, self-discipline, honesty, and respect for all forms of life. These principles create harmony within individuals and society while supporting the journey toward spiritual freedom. Devotional India continues to preserve the wisdom of great spiritual teachers to inspire seekers toward ethical living, peace, and self-realization.

In conclusion, Parsvanatha remains one of the most revered spiritual figures in Jainism, whose teachings on non-violence, truth, simplicity, and self-discipline continue to guide sincere seekers. Through meditation, ethical conduct, compassion, and detachment, individuals gradually cultivate inner peace and spiritual wisdom. His life serves as an enduring example of purity and selfless living. Devotional India encourages every reader to study Parsvanatha with respect, discovering timeless values that lead to harmony, wisdom, and lasting spiritual fulfillment.