Lord Mallinatha
The nineteenth 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 Mallinatha was born during the present age (Avasarpini) of Jainism. His birth date is the 11th day of the Margashirsha Krishna month of the Indian calendar. Approximately 16,585,000 BCE
Domain: Spiritual guidance, liberation
Symbols: Water pot (kalasha)
Attributes: Spiritual enlightenment, liberation from the cycle of birth and death
Epithets: Malli, Mallivati (in Shvetambara tradition)
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 Jnatrdharmakathah and the Mallinathapurana by Nagachandra.
Iconography: Typically depicted in a meditative posture with his symbol (a water pot) included in the depiction.
Description
Lord Mallinatha, also known as Malli, is the nineteenth Tirthankara in Jainism. He was born to King Kumbha and Queen Prajnavati in the Ikshvaku dynasty. Mallinatha is unique as he is depicted as a female Tirthankara in the Shvetambara tradition, while the Digambara tradition considers all Tirthankaras to be male. His symbol is a water pot (kalasha), and he is often depicted in a meditative posture.
Narratives
Previous Life as King Mahabal:
In his third-last birth, Lord Mallinatha was King Mahabal. He was known for his strength and power. Mahabal had six friends with whom he shared a strong bond. They vowed to stay together in all their endeavors. After renouncing his kingdom, Mahabal, along with his friends, took Diksha (initiation) and performed penance together. However, Mahabal deceived his friends by performing more penance than them, which led to his rebirth as a female in his next life.
Previous Life as a Celestial Being:
After completing his lifespan as King Mahabal, the soul of Mallinatha was reborn as a celestial being in the ninth heaven. This life set the stage for his future birth as a Tirthankara.
Birth of Mallinatha:
Mallinatha was born to King Kumbha and Queen Prajnavati in Mithila. His birth was marked by auspicious signs, and he was destined to become a Tirthankara. According to the Shvetambara tradition, Mallinatha was born as a female named Malli Devi, while the Digambara tradition believes he was born as a male.
Renunciation and Ascetic Life:
Mallinatha 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, Mallinatha 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).
Role as a Tirthankara:
As a Tirthankara, Mallinatha'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):
Mallinatha attained moksha (liberation) on Mount Sammeda (Parasnath Hill) in Jharkhand. He became a siddha, a liberated soul that has destroyed all of its karma. Mallinatha's liberation is celebrated by Jains, and numerous temples are dedicated to him.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Lord Mallinatha
Lord Mallinatha is the nineteenth 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: Mallinatha 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: Mallinatha 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: Mallinatha 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: Mallinatha is often depicted in a meditative posture, symbolizing his spiritual enlightenment. His emblem is the pitcher (Kalasha), and he is associated with the Ashoka tree.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Mallinatha include the pitcher and the Ashoka tree. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke his presence and blessings.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Mallinatha 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 Mallinatha. These include offerings of food, flowers, and other goods to seek his favor and protection. Rituals often take place in temples dedicated to Mallinatha, where devotees can offer prayers and make offerings.
Sacred Sites: Temples and shrines dedicated to Mallinatha can be found throughout India and other regions with Jain populations. Some of the most famous sites include the Mannargudi Mallinatha Swamy Jain Temple in Tamil Nadu and the Chaturmukha Basadi in Karnataka.
Offerings: Offerings to Mallinatha typically include food, flowers, and items related to his symbols, such as pitcher figurines and Ashoka leaves. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and blessings.
Festivals and Traditions
Mallinatha Jayanti: Mallinatha Jayanti is a major festival dedicated to Mallinatha, celebrating his birth. The festival includes prayers, rituals, and offerings to seek Mallinatha's blessings for the coming year.
Cultural Celebrations: Mallinatha'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 Mallinatha for protection, compassion, and the successful practice of their spiritual beliefs. Traditional prayers often invoke his role as the nineteenth Tirthankara and a symbol of renunciation.
Mallinatha's role as the nineteenth Tirthankara embodies the core values and beliefs of Jainism, emphasizing the importance of compassion, renunciation, and spiritual liberation.