Lord Dharmanatha
The fifteenth Tirthankara
Tirthankara (a liberated soul who has destroyed all of its karma)
Relations: He is related to other Tirthankaras in the Jain tradition, with Anantanatha as his predecessor and Shantinatha as his successor.
Place of Origin: Ratnapuri, in the Ikshvaku dynasty.
Origin Date: Lord Dharmanatha was born during the present age (Avasarpini) of Jainism. His birth date is the 3rd day of the Magha Krishna month of the Indian calendar.
Domain: Lord Dharmanatha governs the spiritual domain, guiding souls towards liberation and enlightenment.
Symbols: Thunderbolt
Attributes: As a Tirthankara, Lord Dharmanatha possesses attributes such as omniscience, liberation from karma, and the ability to guide others towards spiritual liberation.
Epithets: Dharmanatha is also known as Dharmanath.
Equivalents: There are no direct equivalents in other religions, as Tirthankaras are unique to Jainism.
Religion: Jainism.
Sacred Texts: The Dharmanathacaritra, part of the Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra, mentions Lord Dharmanatha.
Iconography: Lord Dharmanatha is typically depicted in a meditative posture, with his symbol (thunderbolt) often included in the depiction.
Description
Lord Dharmanatha is revered as the fifteenth Tirthankara in Jainism. He is believed to have achieved Siddha status, meaning he has liberated his soul from the cycle of birth and death. He was born to King Bhanu Raja and Queen Suvrata Rani. His symbol is a thunderbolt.
Narratives
Previous Life as King Dridhrath:
In his third-last birth, Lord Dharmanatha was King Dridhrath in the city of Bhaddil in Bharat Vijay, located in the region of Mahavideh Kshetra in Ghatki Khand. King Dridhrath ruled his kingdom with purity and detachment, living like a guest in his own home. After ruling for some time, he took Diksha (initiation) and profoundly worshipped the Tirthankaras. As a result, he gained the Tirthankara-naam-gotra-karma and was reborn as a celestial being in the Vijayant Anuttar heaven.
Birth of Dharmanatha:
After completing his lifespan as a celestial being, the soul of King Dridhrath descended into the womb of Queen Suvrata Devi, the wife of King Bhanu of Ratnapur city in Bharat Kshetra. During her pregnancy, Queen Suvrata Devi was very active in religious activities, leading to the birth of Dharmanatha. His birth was marked by auspicious signs, and he was destined to become a Tirthankara. His birth date was the third day of the bright half of the month of Magh.
Renunciation and Ascetic Life:
Dharmanatha grew up learning various eruditions and was eventually crowned as the king. However, upon the request of celestial beings, he renounced his royal life and took Diksha. After two years of intense meditation and ascetic practices, he attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience). His teachings focused on the core Jain principles of non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha).
Deshna (Teachings):
After attaining Kevala Jnana, celestial beings arranged a Samavasaran (divine preaching assembly) where Dharmanatha gave insightful Deshna (teachings). Thousands of people from different villages attended his discourses, which were blissful and liberating. He emphasized the ill effects of passions and worldly bondage, encouraging his followers to practice right living, right action, and right knowledge.
Liberation (Moksha):
Dharmanatha attained moksha (liberation) on Mount Sammeda (Parasnath Hill) in Jharkhand. He became a siddha, a liberated soul that has destroyed all of its karma. Dharmanatha's liberation is celebrated by Jains, and numerous temples are dedicated to him.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Lord Dharmanatha
Lord Dharmanatha is the fifteenth 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: Dharmanatha 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: Dharmanatha 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: Dharmanatha 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: Dharmanatha is often depicted in a meditative posture, symbolizing his spiritual enlightenment. His emblem is the Vajra (thunderbolt), and he is associated with the Dadhiparna tree.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Dharmanatha include the Vajra and the Dadhiparna tree. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke his presence and blessings.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Dharmanatha 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 Dharmanatha. These include offerings of food, flowers, and other goods to seek his favor and protection. Rituals often take place in temples dedicated to Dharmanatha, where devotees can offer prayers and make offerings.
Sacred Sites: Temples and shrines dedicated to Dharmanatha can be found throughout India and other regions with Jain populations. Some of the most famous sites include the Hutheesing Jain Temple in Ahmedabad and the Dharmanath Temple in Mattancherry, Kochi2.
Offerings: Offerings to Dharmanatha typically include food, flowers, and items related to his symbols, such as Vajra figurines and Dadhiparna leaves. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and blessings.
Festivals and Traditions
Dharmanatha Jayanti: Dharmanatha Jayanti is a major festival dedicated to Dharmanatha, celebrating his birth. The festival includes prayers, rituals, and offerings to seek Dharmanatha's blessings for the coming year.
Cultural Celebrations: Dharmanatha'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 Dharmanatha for protection, compassion, and the successful practice of their spiritual beliefs. Traditional prayers often invoke his role as the fifteenth Tirthankara and a symbol of renunciation.
Dharmanatha's role as the fifteenth Tirthankara embodies the core values and beliefs of Jainism, emphasizing the importance of compassion, renunciation, and spiritual liberation.