Lord Ajitanatha
The second Tirthankara, Ajita (Unconquered), Ajitaprabhu (Lord Ajita)
Tirthankara (Supreme Preacher)
Relations: Father: King Jitashatru, Mother: Queen Vijaya
Place of Origin: Ayodhya, India
Origin Date: According to Jain chronology, Ajitanatha lived millions of years ago.
Domain: Spirituality, renunciation, teachings of Jainism
Symbols: Elephant
Attributes: Spiritual teacher, symbol of strength and wisdom, guide towards liberation
Epithets: Ajita, Ajitaprabhu
Equivalents: There are no direct equivalents of Ajitanatha in other religions, as he is unique to Jainism.
Religion: Jainism
Sacred Texts: Ādi purāṇa, Mahāpurāṇa
Iconography: Ajitanatha is typically depicted in a meditative posture with an elephant symbol. In Shvetambara sect art, he is shown in gold color, while in Digambara sect art, he is depicted in yellow.
Description
Lord Ajitanatha, also known as Ajita, is the second Tirthankara in Jainism. He is revered for his teachings and virtues. Ajitanatha is often depicted in a meditative posture with an elephant symbol, representing strength and wisdom. He is known for his spiritual guidance and is considered a significant figure in Jainism.
Narratives
Previous Life as King Vimalvahan:
In his third-last birth, Lord Ajitanatha was King Vimalvahan in the Purva Mahavideh Kshetra’s Susima Nagri. He ruled peacefully and was known for his strength and power. One night, while contemplating the impermanence of life, he developed a sense of detachment from worldly pleasures and took Diksha (initiation). Through penance and meditation, he attained the permanent conviction of the right belief of 'I am Pure Soul' and bound the Tirthankar gotra. After his death, he was reborn as a celestial being in the Anuttar Vimaan celestial realm.
Birth of Ajitanatha:
After completing his lifespan as a celestial being, the soul of King Vimalvahan was born as Ajitanatha to King Jitashatru and Queen Vijaya in Ayodhya. His birth was marked by auspicious signs, and he was destined to become a Tirthankara. Queen Vijaya had fourteen divine dreams, indicating the birth of a Tirthankara.
Renunciation and Ascetic Life:
Ajitanatha 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, Ajitanatha attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience), becoming fully enlightened. His teachings focused on the core Jain principles of non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha). He attained Kevala Jnana under the Saptaparna tree.
Role as a Tirthankara:
As a Tirthankara, Ajitanatha'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):
Ajitanatha attained moksha (liberation) on Mount Shikharji. He became a siddha, a liberated soul that has destroyed all of its karma. Ajitanatha's liberation is celebrated by Jains, and numerous temples are dedicated to him.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Lord Ajitanatha
Lord Ajitanatha is the second 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: Ajitanatha 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: Ajitanatha 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: Ajitanatha 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: Ajitanatha is often depicted in a meditative posture, symbolizing his spiritual enlightenment. His emblem is the elephant, and he is associated with the Saptaparna tree (Alstonia scholaris).
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Ajitanatha include the elephant and the Saptaparna tree. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke his presence and blessings.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Ajitanatha 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 Ajitanatha. These include offerings of food, flowers, and other goods to seek his favor and protection. Rituals often take place in temples dedicated to Ajitanatha, where devotees can offer prayers and make offerings.
Sacred Sites: Temples and shrines dedicated to Ajitanatha can be found throughout India and other regions with Jain populations. Some of the most famous sites include the Taranga Jain Temple in Gujarat and the Shree Digamber Jain Atisaya Kshetra in Bateshwar, Uttar Pradesh.
Offerings: Offerings to Ajitanatha typically include food, flowers, and items related to his symbols, such as elephant figurines and Saptaparna leaves. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and blessings.
Festivals and Traditions
Ajitanatha Jayanti: Ajitanatha Jayanti is a major festival dedicated to Ajitanatha, celebrating his birth. The festival includes prayers, rituals, and offerings to seek Ajitanatha's blessings for the coming year.
Cultural Celebrations: Ajitanatha'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 Ajitanatha for protection, compassion, and the successful practice of their spiritual beliefs. Traditional prayers often invoke his role as the second Tirthankara and a symbol of renunciation.
Ajitanatha's role as the second Tirthankara embodies the core values and beliefs of Jainism, emphasizing the importance of compassion, renunciation, and spiritual liberation.