https://wikimd.com/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=ParshvanathaParshvanatha - Revision history2026-04-22T06:38:08ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.44.2https://wikimd.com/index.php?title=Parshvanatha&diff=5621799&oldid=prevPrab: CSV import2024-04-17T23:51:04Z<p>CSV import</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>[[File:View_of_Ghats_across_the_Ganges,_Varanasi.jpg|View of Ghats across the Ganges, Varanasi|thumb]] [[File:Jain_Universal_History_Diorama_in_Jain_Museum_Madhuban_18.jpg|Jain Universal History Diorama in Jain Museum Madhuban 18|thumb|left]] [[File:Pārśvanātha-Kalugumalai.JPG|Pārśvanātha-Kalugumalai|thumb|left]] [[File:Thirakoil-Parsava_nathar.JPG|Thirakoil-Parsava nathar|thumb]] [[File:Parsva_and_Dharnendra.jpg|Parsva and Dharnendra|thumb]] [[File:23rd_Tirthankara_Parshva_Parsvanath_Parshvanatha_Jainism_India.jpg|23rd Tirthankara Parshva Parsvanath Parshvanatha Jainism India|thumb]] '''Parshvanatha''', also known as '''Parshva''' or '''Parasnath''', was the 23rd [[Tirthankara]] in [[Jainism]], a major religion of ancient India known for its principles of non-violence, truth, and asceticism. Parshvanatha is believed to have been born in the 8th century BCE in Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world, located in the present-day state of Uttar Pradesh, India. He is often depicted in art and religious iconography with a snake crown, symbolizing his association with snakes and his teaching of non-violence towards all living beings.<br />
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==Life==<br />
According to Jain texts, Parshvanatha was born to King Ashvasena and Queen Vama of Varanasi. He is said to have renounced the world at a young age to become an ascetic. After undertaking severe penances and meditation, he attained [[Kevala Jnana]] (omniscience) under a Dhaataki tree. As a Tirthankara, he revitalized the Jain community, emphasizing the five major vows: non-violence ([[Ahimsa]]), truth ([[Satya]]), non-stealing ([[Asteya]]), celibacy ([[Brahmacharya]]), and non-possession ([[Aparigraha]]).<br />
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==Teachings==<br />
Parshvanatha's teachings focused on the immediate ethical and spiritual needs of the individual. He is credited with formalizing the concept of non-violence in Jainism and laying down the fourfold restraint for the monks: not to kill, steal, lie, or own property. His message attracted a large following during his lifetime, and his teachings continue to influence Jainism and other philosophical traditions.<br />
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==Iconography==<br />
In Jain iconography, Parshvanatha is usually depicted with a serpent canopy over his head. This iconography is symbolic of his protection by the serpent king, Dharanendra, during a great storm. His emblem is the snake, and his color is often depicted as blue or green in paintings and sculptures.<br />
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==Legacy==<br />
Parshvanatha's legacy is significant in Jainism. He is revered for his teachings on non-violence and compassion towards all living beings. Many temples and pilgrimage sites are dedicated to him, with the most famous being the [[Shikharji]] temple complex in Jharkhand, India, considered the most sacred Jain pilgrimage site. Parshvanatha's influence extends beyond Jainism, contributing to the broader Indian ethos of religious tolerance and non-violence.<br />
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==See Also==<br />
* [[Tirthankara]]<br />
* [[Jainism]]<br />
* [[Ahimsa in Jainism]]<br />
* [[Shikharji]]<br />
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[[Category:Jainism]]<br />
[[Category:Indian religious leaders]]<br />
[[Category:Tirthankaras]]<br />
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