Parsvanatha

Parsvanatha is the twenty-third Tirthankara of Jainism, revered as a spiritual teacher who attained liberation. He is believed to have lived from the 9th to the 8th century BCE, making him a historical figure for many Jains. According to tradition, Parsvanatha was born a prince in Varanasi and renounced his worldly life to pursue spiritual enlightenment.

His teachings emphasized the fourfold restraint: not to kill, not to lie, not to steal, and not to be possessed. Later, Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, added the vow of celibacy (brahmacharya) to form the five mahavratas, which are central to Jain ethics. Parsvanatha is often depicted in Jain art with a serpent hood canopy over his head, symbolizing his power and protection.

The sect of Shvetambara Jains generally considers Parsvanatha to have been married, while the Digambara sect believes he remained celibate. Despite these minor differences, Parsvanatha is universally venered as a pivotal figure in the Jain tradition, whose example continues to guide followers toward spiritual liberation. His life story and teachings are preserved in Jain scriptures and oral traditions.