Lord Chandraprabha
The eighth Tirthankara, Chandraprabha (Moon Radiance), Chandraprabhanatha
Tirthankara (Supreme Preacher)
Relations: Father: King Mahasena, Mother: Queen Lakshmana
Place of Origin: Chandrapuri, India
Origin Date: According to Jain chronology, Chandraprabha lived millions of years ago.
Domain: Spirituality, renunciation, teachings of Jainism
Symbols: Crescent Moon
Attributes: Spiritual teacher, symbol of calmness and serenity, guide towards liberation
Epithets: Chandraprabha, Chandraprabhanatha
Equivalents: There are no direct equivalents of Chandraprabha in other religions, as he is unique to Jainism.
Religion: Jainism
Sacred Texts: Ādi purāṇa, Mahāpurāṇa
Iconography: Chandraprabha is typically depicted in a meditative posture with a crescent moon symbol. In Shvetambara sect art, he is shown in gold color, while in Digambara sect art, he is depicted in yellow.
Description
Lord Chandraprabha, also known as Chandraprabha, is the eighth Tirthankara in Jainism. He is revered for his teachings and virtues. Chandraprabha is often depicted in a meditative posture with a crescent moon symbol, representing calmness and serenity. He is known for his spiritual guidance and is considered a significant figure in Jainism.
Narratives
Previous Life as King Padma Raja:
In his previous life, Lord Chandraprabha was King Padma Raja of Ratnasanchaya Nagri in the Mangalavati Vijay region of Ghatki Khand’s Pragvideh Kshetra. King Padma Raja ruled his kingdom with detachment and provided his subjects with happiness and peace. He eventually renounced his kingdom, took Diksha (initiation), and performed intense penance and meditation. As a result, he earned the Tirthankara-naam-gotra karma and reincarnated as a celestial being in the Vaijyant Vimaan heaven.
Birth of Chandraprabha:
After completing his lifespan as a celestial being, King Padma Raja was born as Chandraprabha to King Mahasen and Queen Lakshmana in Chandranna Nagri of Bharat Kshetra. His birth was marked by auspicious signs, and he was named Chandraprabha due to his moon-like complexion and the moon being his symbol. His birth date was the twelfth day of the Posh Krishna month of the Indian calendar2.
Renunciation and Ascetic Life:
Chandraprabha grew up with a natural detachment towards worldly pleasures. After ruling his kingdom for many years, he renounced his royal life and took Diksha (initiation) along with 1,000 other men. He dedicated himself to intense meditation and penance.
Attainment of Kevala Jnana:
Through intense meditation and ascetic practices, Chandraprabha attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) under a Naga tree. 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 three months after taking Diksha2.
Deshna (Teachings):
After attaining Kevala Jnana, Chandraprabha's Samovasaran (divine preaching assembly) was created. He gave Deshna (teachings) to crores of people, guiding them towards the path of liberation (moksha). His teachings emphasized the importance of realizing the self as distinct from the body and the need for right vision (Samyak Darshan) to attain liberation.
Liberation (Moksha):
Chandraprabha attained moksha (liberation) on the seventh day of the dark half of the month of Bhadrapad at Mount Sammeda (Parasnath Hill) in Jharkhand. He became a siddha, a liberated soul that has destroyed all of its karma. Chandraprabha's liberation is celebrated by Jains, and numerous temples are dedicated to him2
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Lord Chandraprabha
Lord Chandraprabha is the eighth 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: Chandraprabha 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: Chandraprabha 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: Chandraprabha 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: Chandraprabha is often depicted in a meditative posture, symbolizing his spiritual enlightenment. His emblem is the crescent moon, and he is associated with the Naga tree.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Chandraprabha include the crescent moon and the Naga tree. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke his presence and blessings.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Chandraprabha 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 Chandraprabha. These include offerings of food, flowers, and other goods to seek his favor and protection. Rituals often take place in temples dedicated to Chandraprabha, where devotees can offer prayers and make offerings.
Sacred Sites: Temples and shrines dedicated to Chandraprabha can be found throughout India and other regions with Jain populations. Some of the most famous sites include the Chandraprabha Temple in Sonagiri and the Chandraprabha Temple in Jaisalmer2.
Offerings: Offerings to Chandraprabha typically include food, flowers, and items related to his symbols, such as crescent moon figurines and Naga leaves. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and blessings.
Festivals and Traditions
Chandraprabha Jayanti: Chandraprabha Jayanti is a major festival dedicated to Chandraprabha, celebrating his birth. The festival includes prayers, rituals, and offerings to seek Chandraprabha's blessings for the coming year.
Cultural Celebrations: Chandraprabha'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 Chandraprabha for protection, compassion, and the successful practice of their spiritual beliefs. Traditional prayers often invoke his role as the eighth Tirthankara and a symbol of renunciation.
Chandraprabha's role as the eighth Tirthankara embodies the core values and beliefs of Jainism, emphasizing the importance of compassion, renunciation, and spiritual liberation.