Place of Origin: Champapuri, India
Origin Date: According to Jain chronology, Vasupujya lived millions of years ago.
Domain: Spirituality, renunciation, teachings of Jainism
Symbols: Buffalo
Attributes: Spiritual teacher, symbol of strength and resilience, guide towards liberation
Epithets: Vasupujya (Worshipped by the Wealthy), Vasupujyanatha, Supreme Preacher
Equivalents: There are no direct equivalents of Vasupujya in other religions, as he is unique to Jainism.
Religion: Jainism
Sacred Texts: Ādi purāṇa, Mahāpurāṇa
Iconography: Vasupujya is typically depicted in a meditative posture with a buffalo symbol. In Shvetambara sect art, he is shown in gold color, while in Digambara sect art, he is depicted in yellow.
Relations: Father: King Vasupujya, Mother: Queen Jaya
Description
Lord Vasupujya is a revered figure in Jainism, celebrated as the 12th Tirthankara of the present age, known as Avasarpini. He was born in Champapuri, in the Ikshvaku dynasty, to King Vasupujya and Queen Jaya Devi. His birth is considered a significant event in Jainism, marked by auspicious dreams seen by his mother, symbolizing the arrival of a soul destined for enlightenment.
From an early age, Vasupujya displayed a deep sense of detachment from worldly pleasures. He renounced his royal life and embraced asceticism, dedicating himself to the pursuit of spiritual knowledge. Through intense meditation and penance, he attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) and became a Tirthankara, re-establishing the Jain community and guiding others on the path to liberation.
Lord Vasupujya’s teachings emphasize the core Jain principles of non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha). He attained moksha (liberation) in Champapuri, becoming a siddha, a liberated soul free from the cycle of birth and death.
Vasupujya is often depicted in a meditative posture, with his symbol, the buffalo, prominently featured. His legacy continues to inspire Jain practitioners, and numerous temples are dedicated to him, including the famous Vasupujya Swami Temple in Champapuri. His life and teachings remain a guiding light for those seeking spiritual growth and liberation.
Narratives
Previous Life as King Padmottar:
In his previous life, Lord Vasupujya was King Padmottar, who ruled over the town of Mangalavati in the Ardhapushkar land. Devoted to spiritual practices, he took Diksha (initiation) from Acharya Vajranabh and reduced his karmas through penance and spiritual practices. He earned the Tirthankara-naam-and-gotra-karma and incarnated as a god in the Pranat dimension.
Birth of Vasupujya:
Vasupujya was born in Champapuri in the Ikshvaku dynasty to King Vasupujya and Queen Jayavati. His birth is celebrated as a significant event in Jainism, marking the arrival of a soul destined to attain enlightenment and guide others.
Renunciation and Enlightenment:
At a young age, Vasupujya renounced his royal life and worldly pleasures to pursue spiritual knowledge. Through intense meditation and ascetic practices, he attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience), becoming fully enlightened. His teachings focus on the core Jain principles of non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha).
Tirthankara Role:
As a Tirthankara, Vasupujya's role was to re-establish the Jain community and provide spiritual guidance. He taught the path to liberation (moksha) and emphasized the importance of self-discipline, ethical living, and spiritual awareness.
Vasupujya and the King of Dwarka:
Vasupujya visited Dwarka, where the king, Dwiprishtha, who was also his brother and devotee, sought his guidance. Vasupujya recounted a past life story involving King Parvat and a beautiful girl named Gunmanjari, highlighting the karmic connections and the importance of ethical conduct.
Liberation (Moksha):
Vasupujya attained moksha (liberation) on the second day of Magh Shukla, under the Patal Tree in Champa. He became a siddha, a liberated soul that has destroyed all of its karma. His liberation is celebrated by Jains, and numerous temples are dedicated to him
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Lord Vasupujya
Lord Vasupujya is the twelfth Tirthankara in Jainism, revered for his immense spiritual achievements and teachings. He is celebrated for his compassion, renunciation, and dedication to the path of liberation.
Core Beliefs
Tirthankara: Vasupujya is one of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, spiritual teachers who have attained enlightenment and guide others on the path to liberation. His teachings emphasize non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possessiveness.
Compassion and Renunciation: Vasupujya is celebrated for his compassion towards all living beings. He renounced his royal life and worldly pleasures to pursue spiritual knowledge and attain enlightenment.
Spiritual Liberation: Vasupujya attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) and became a siddha, a liberated soul free from the cycle of birth and death. His teachings focus on the core Jain principles and the path to moksha (liberation).
Attributes and Significance
Depictions: Vasupujya is often depicted in a meditative posture, symbolizing his spiritual enlightenment. His emblem is the buffalo, and he is associated with the Mahavenu tree.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Vasupujya include the buffalo and the Mahavenu tree. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke his presence and blessings.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Vasupujya are passed down through generations, maintaining their significance in Jain culture and mythology. He is a symbol of compassion, renunciation, and spiritual liberation.
Practices of Worship
Rituals and Ceremonies: Devotees perform various rituals and ceremonies to honor Vasupujya. These include offerings of food, flowers, and other goods to seek his favor and protection. Rituals often take place in temples dedicated to Vasupujya, where devotees can offer prayers and make offerings.
Sacred Sites: Temples and shrines dedicated to Vasupujya can be found throughout India and other regions with Jain populations. Some of the most famous sites include the Champapuri temple in Bihar, where Vasupujya attained liberation2.
Offerings: Offerings to Vasupujya typically include food, flowers, and items related to his symbols, such as buffalo figurines and Mahavenu leaves. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and blessings.
Festivals and Traditions
Vasupujya Jayanti: Vasupujya Jayanti is a major festival dedicated to Vasupujya, celebrating his birth. The festival includes prayers, rituals, and offerings to seek Vasupujya's blessings for the coming year.
Cultural Celebrations: Vasupujya's story may be included in cultural celebrations and festivals that honor Jain heritage and traditions. These gatherings often include music, dance, and storytelling.
Prayers: Devotees pray to Vasupujya for protection, compassion, and the successful practice of their spiritual beliefs. Traditional prayers often invoke his role as the twelfth Tirthankara and a symbol of renunciation.
Vasupujya's role as the twelfth Tirthankara embodies the core values and beliefs of Jainism, emphasizing the importance of compassion, renunciation, and spiritual liberation.