About Us
Home/About us
Divine Life Story
The extraordinary journey of the 22nd tirthankara from royal prince to enlightened master
Neminath, born in Sauripura near present-day Dwaraka in Gujarat, into the royal family as the son of King Samudravijaya and Queen Shivadevi, was a cousin of Lord Krishna and Balarama of the Yadu dynasty. At around 300 years of age, during his wedding procession, he was deeply moved by the cries of animals kept for sacrifice, and he chose to renounce his princely life in pursuit of higher spiritual truth. Turning away from worldly attachments, he embraced the ascetic path, devoted himself to meditation, compassion, and the principle of nonviolence (ahimsa). After only 54 days of intense practice, he attained Kevala Jnana, the state of omniscience, and became revered as the 22nd Tirthankara of Jainism. For the rest of his life, he guided seekers toward purity, discipline, and liberation. After a long life of 1,000 years, his journey culminated in final liberation (moksha) on Girnar Mountain in Gujarat, where he became a Siddha, a liberated soul free from the cycle of birth and death. Neminath’s life remains a timeless inspiration, symbolizing renunciation, compassion, and the quest for eternal freedom.
Sacred Symbolism
Sacred Symbolism connected to Parshvanath and Jain tradition
Serpent Symbol (Lanchhana)
Parshvanath’s emblem in Jain iconography is a serpent (snake), symbolizing protection, strength, and spiritual awakening.
Swastika
Represents the four states of existence: heavenly beings, humans, animals/plants, and hellish beings.
Three Dots (Triratna)
Signify the Three Jewels of Jainism: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.
Crescent with Dot (Siddhashila)
Symbol of liberation, denoting the perfected state of the soul beyond rebirth.
Ahimsa Hand (Open Palm with Wheel)
Stands for non-violence, compassion, and the vow to avoid harm to any living being.
Ashta Mangal
Includes Swastika, Srivatsa, Nandavarta, Vardhamanaka, Bhadrasana, Kalasha, Minayugala, and Darpana.
Dhataki Tree
The sacred tree under which Parshvanath attained Kevala Jñāna (omniscience).
Sammed Shikharji
The holy mountain in Jharkhand where Parshvanath attained moksha, now one of the most revered Jain pilgrimage sites.
Historical References
Ancient scriptures and archaeological evidence that validate the historical existence of Bhagwan Maharvir ji
📜 Ancient Scriptures
Kalpa Sūtra
Records the lives of Tirthankaras, including Neminath’s birth, renunciation, and liberation.
Uttarādhyayana Sūtra
Contains teachings and references to the compassion and renunciation of Neminath.
Avashyaka Niryukti
Mentions vows and rituals that highlight Neminath’s emphasis on non-violence.
Harivamsa Purana & Mahabharata (Jain versions)
Contain accounts of Neminath as cousin of Lord Krishna and his renunciation during marriage.
Buddhist Texts (Anguttara Nikaya)
Indirect references appear in some ancient texts describing ideals of non-violence similar to those emphasized by Neminath.
🏛 Archaeological Evidence
Girnar Mountain (Gujarat)
The sacred site where Neminath attained moksha, historically revered with inscriptions and pilgrim
Junagadh Inscriptions
Ancient inscriptions near Girnar referencing devotion to Neminath.
Ancient Caves & Idols
Depictions of Neminath with the conch emblem found in Gujarat and surrounding regions.
Mathura & Kankali Tila Findings
Excavations have revealed Jain idols, some attributed to early worship of Neminath.
Ellora & Other Jain Caves
Depict Tirthankara figures, including Neminath, affirming long-standing devotion.
Legends & Spiritual Significance
Sacred stories and profound spiritual meanings that inspire devotees across generations
The 22 Teacher of Humanity
A famous legend tells how, during Neminath’s wedding procession, he heard the cries of animals kept for sacrifice. Deeply moved by their suffering, he abandoned the ceremony and renounced worldly life, symbolizing supreme compassion and the Jain principle of ahimsa (non-violence).
Profound Spiritual Meanings
Neminath emphasized the supreme value of ahimsa (non-violence). His renunciation at the sight of animals destined for sacrifice became a powerful message of compassion, inspiring followers to live with kindness and restraint, and shaping the Jain path of spiritual purity.
The Serpent Canopy
The iconic image of Neminath with the conch symbol represents purity, compassion, and renunciation, reminding devotees of his supreme commitment to ahimsa and the eternal quest for liberation.
Path to Liberation
Neminath’s life illustrates the journey from royal grandeur to supreme renunciation. His compassion for suffering beings, his deep meditation, and his attainment of Kevala Jnana inspire seekers to embrace non-violence, discipline, and the path to liberation.
Eternal Relevance
Neminath’s message continues to hold deep significance in the modern world. His renunciation at the sight of animals destined for sacrifice embodies the timeless principle of compassion and non-violence. In an era challenged by cruelty, conflict, and material excess, his life reminds humanity to live with kindness, restraint, and respect for all living beings. His example of leaving behind royal luxury for ascetic life encourages self-discipline and inner clarity, inspiring seekers to rise above worldly attachments and move toward spiritual freedom.
Support Our Mission
Help us spread the divine teachings of Neminath bhagwan and maintain sacred temples for future generations
