Lord Naminatha
The twenty-first Tirthankara
Tirthankara (a liberated soul who has destroyed all of its karma)
Relations: Related to other Tirthankaras in the Jain tradition.
Place of Origin: Mithila, India
Origin Date: Lord Naminatha was born during the present age (Avasarpini) of Jainism. His birth date is the 8th day of Shravan Krishna month of the Indian calendar.
Domain: Spiritual guidance, liberation.
Symbols: Blue lotus
Attributes: Spiritual enlightenment, liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Epithets: Nami
Equivalents: There are no direct equivalents in other religions, as Tirthankaras are unique to Jainism.
Religion: Jainism
Sacred Texts: Mentioned in various Jain scriptures, including the Naminathacaritra by Helen M. Johnson.
Iconography: Typically depicted in a meditative posture with his symbol (a blue lotus) included in the depiction.
Description
Lord Naminatha, also known as Nami, is the twenty-first Tirthankara in Jainism. He was born to King Vijaya and Queen Vipra of the Ikshvaku dynasty. Naminatha is revered for his spiritual teachings and his attainment of Moksha (liberation). His symbol is a blue lotus, and he is often depicted in a meditative posture. He is believed to have lived for 10,000 years and attained liberation from Sammed Shikhar.
Narratives
Birth of Naminatha:
Naminatha was born to King Vijaya and Queen Vipra of the Ikshvaku dynasty in the city of Mithila. His birth was marked by auspicious signs, and he was destined to become a Tirthankara. His birth date was the eighth day of Shravan Krishna of the lunisolar Jain calendar.
Aura of Naminatha:
When Naminatha was in his mother's womb, Mithila was attacked by a group of powerful kings. The aura of Naminatha forced all the kings to surrender to King Vijaya, showcasing his divine influence even before birth.
Renunciation and Ascetic Life:
Naminatha renounced his royal life and worldly pleasures to pursue spiritual knowledge. He became an ascetic and dedicated himself to intense meditation and penance. His journey of renunciation highlights his commitment to spiritual growth and the pursuit of liberation.
Attainment of Kevala Jnana:
Through intense meditation and ascetic practices, Naminatha attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience), becoming fully enlightened. He attained Kevala Jnana under a Bakula tree. His teachings focused on the core Jain principles of non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha).
Role as a Tirthankara:
As a Tirthankara, Naminatha'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. His teachings and discourses attracted many followers.
Liberation (Moksha):
Naminatha attained moksha (liberation) on Mount Sammeda (Parasnath Hill) in Jharkhand. He became a siddha, a liberated soul that has destroyed all of its karma. Naminatha's liberation is celebrated by Jains, and numerous temples are dedicated to him.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Lord Naminatha
Lord Naminatha is the twenty-first Tirthankara in Jainism, revered for his spiritual achievements and teachings. He is celebrated for his compassion, renunciation, and dedication to the path of liberation.
Core Beliefs
Tirthankara: Naminatha 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: Naminatha 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: Naminatha 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: Naminatha is often depicted in a meditative posture, symbolizing his spiritual enlightenment. His emblem is the blue water lily, and he is associated with the Bakula tree.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Naminatha include the blue water lily and the Bakula tree. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke his presence and blessings.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Naminatha 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 Naminatha. These include offerings of food, flowers, and other goods to seek his favor and protection. Rituals often take place in temples dedicated to Naminatha, where devotees can offer prayers and make offerings.
Sacred Sites: Temples and shrines dedicated to Naminatha can be found throughout India and other regions with Jain populations. Some of the most famous sites include the Naminatha Jain Temple in Mithila.
Offerings: Offerings to Naminatha typically include food, flowers, and items related to his symbols, such as blue water lily figurines and Bakula leaves. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and blessings.
Festivals and Traditions
Naminatha Jayanti: Naminatha Jayanti is a major festival dedicated to Naminatha, celebrating his birth. The festival includes prayers, rituals, and offerings to seek Naminatha's blessings for the coming year.
Cultural Celebrations: Naminatha'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 Naminatha for protection, compassion, and the successful practice of their spiritual beliefs. Traditional prayers often invoke his role as the twenty-first Tirthankara and a symbol of renunciation.
Naminatha's role as the twenty-first Tirthankara embodies the core values and beliefs of Jainism, emphasizing the importance of compassion, renunciation, and spiritual liberation.