Tirthankar Parshvanath

Author(s): Bipin Doshi, Ila Shah
Publisher: Sureshdada Jain and Family Mumbai

Page 9

Life of Tirthankar Parshvanath
Antiquity Parshvanath or Parshvanatha (pärívá-nätha, occasionally spelled Parshvanath or Parswanath) was the twenty-third Tirthankara (ford maker) in Jainism. He existed in the 9th Century BCE, traditionally (877-777 BCE). He is the earliest Jain leader generally accepted as a historical figure. There are indications that the 23rd Tirthankar, Parsvanath Swami, preached Jainism in Kalinga during the 7th century BC & King Karakanda was converted by him. According to the Jain tradition he attained nirvana 250 years before the nirvana of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankar. King Siddhartha and Queen Trishla, father and mother of Tirthankar Mahavir were the followers of Lord Parshwanath
Birth
About 3000 years ago king Ashvasen was ruling over Varanasi which is also known as Banaras. It is situated on the bank of holy river Ganga. He was a benevolent and popular ruler. He had a queen named Vamadevi. She gave birth to a son. During her pregnancy she had once observed a snake passing by her side. In memory of that incident the boy was named as Parshvakumar, because Parshva in Sanskrit language means beside. Parshwanath belonged to Nagvansh, i.e. the Mangoloid people
Marriage Parshvakumar started growing up in the midst of wealth and happiness. In due course he grew up to be a very
attractive young man known for his courtesy, bravery and valor. His reputation spread all round and many rulers were eager to get their daughters married to him. During that time there was another well known city named Kushasthal and king Prasenjit was ruling there. He had a very beautiful and talented daughter named Prabhavati. As she became young, her parents started looking for a suitable match for her. Once while Prabhavati was playing in a garden with her friends, she heard a song to the effect that prince of Varanasi is very handsome and brave and that the gir who marries him would be a very lucky girl. Prabhavati was impressed by that. She obtained all possible information about Parshvakumar and got enamored of him. As her friends came to know of her attachment for Parshvakumar, they gave hints to her parents. Thereupon Prasenjit decided to convey her wishes to the king of Varanasi.