Lord Munisuvrata
The twentieth Tirthankara
Tirthankara (a liberated soul who has destroyed all of its karma)
Relations: Related to other Tirthankaras in the Jain tradition
Place of Origin: Rajgir, India
Origin Date: Lord Munisuvrata was born during the present age (Avasarpini) of Jainism. His birth date is the 15th day of the Vaishakha Krishna month of the Indian calendar. Approximately 1,184,980 BCE
Domain: Spiritual guidance, liberation
Symbols: Tortoise
Attributes: Spiritual enlightenment, liberation from the cycle of birth and death
Epithets: Munisuvratanatha
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 Samayavayanga Sutra.
Iconography: Typically depicted in a meditative posture with his symbol (a tortoise) included in the depiction.
Description
Lord Munisuvrata, also known as Munisuvratanatha, is the twentieth Tirthankara in Jainism. He was born to King Sumitra and Queen Padmavati in the Hari dynasty. Munisuvrata is revered for his spiritual teachings and his attainment of Moksha (liberation). His symbol is a tortoise, and he is often depicted in a meditative posture. He is believed to have lived for over 30,000 years and attained liberation from Sammed Shikhar.
Narratives
Previous Life as King Shurshreshth:
In his antepenultimate birth, Lord Munisuvrata was King Shurshreshth. He took Diksha (initiation) and, through his devotional worship, attained a celestial life form (dev gati). This life set the stage for his future birth as a Tirthankara.
Birth of Munisuvrata:
After completing his lifespan as a celestial being, the soul of King Shurshreshth was born as Munisuvrata in Rajgruhi Nagri to King Sumitra and Queen Padmavati. His birth was marked by auspicious signs, and he was destined to become a Tirthankara. Munisuvrata's early life was filled with compassion and a deep sense of spirituality.
Renunciation and Ascetic Life:
Munisuvrata 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:
After 11 months of intense meditation and ascetic practices, Munisuvrata 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).
Deshna (Teachings):
After attaining Kevala Jnana, Munisuvrata's Samovasaran (divine preaching assembly) was created. He gave Deshna (teachings) describing the true form of the world and the path to Moksha (liberation). He 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):
Lord Munisuvrata attained moksha (liberation) on Mount Sammeda (Parasnath Hill) in Jharkhand. He became a siddha, a liberated soul that has destroyed all of its karma. Munisuvrata's liberation is celebrated by Jains, and numerous temples are dedicated to him.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Lord Munisuvrata
Lord Munisuvrata is the twentieth 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: Munisuvrata 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: Munisuvrata 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: Munisuvrata 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: Munisuvrata is often depicted in a meditative posture, symbolizing his spiritual enlightenment. His emblem is the tortoise, and he is associated with the Champaka tree.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Munisuvrata include the tortoise and the Champaka tree. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke his presence and blessings.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Munisuvrata 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 Munisuvrata. These include offerings of food, flowers, and other goods to seek his favor and protection. Rituals often take place in temples dedicated to Munisuvrata, where devotees can offer prayers and make offerings.
Sacred Sites: Temples and shrines dedicated to Munisuvrata can be found throughout India and other regions with Jain populations. Some of the most famous sites include the Aagashi Jain Tirtha in Maharashtra and the Mahaviralayam Jain Museum.
Offerings: Offerings to Munisuvrata typically include food, flowers, and items related to his symbols, such as tortoise figurines and Champaka leaves. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and blessings.
Festivals and Traditions
Munisuvrata Jayanti: Munisuvrata Jayanti is a major festival dedicated to Munisuvrata, celebrating his birth. The festival includes prayers, rituals, and offerings to seek Munisuvrata's blessings for the coming year.
Cultural Celebrations: Munisuvrata's story may be included in cultural celebrations and festivals that honor Jain heritage and traditions. These gatherings often include music, dance, and storytelling2.
Prayers: Devotees pray to Munisuvrata for protection, compassion, and the successful practice of their spiritual beliefs. Traditional prayers often invoke his role as the twentieth Tirthankara and a symbol of renunciation.
Munisuvrata's role as the twentieth Tirthankara embodies the core values and beliefs of Jainism, emphasizing the importance of compassion, renunciation, and spiritual liberation.