Place of Origin: Kausambi, India
Origin Date: According to Jain chronology, Padmaprabha lived millions of years ago.
Domain: Spirituality, renunciation, teachings of Jainism
Symbols: Red Lotus
Attributes: Spiritual teacher, symbol of purity and enlightenment, guide towards liberation
Equivalents: There are no direct equivalents of Padmaprabha in other religions, as he is unique to Jainism.
Epithets: Also known as Padmaprabhu, Padmaprabha (Lotus Radiance), Padmaprabhanatha
Relations: Father: King Shridhar, Mother: Queen Susima
Sacred Texts: Ādi purāṇa, Mahāpurāṇa
Iconography: Padmaprabha is typically depicted in a meditative posture with a red lotus symbol. In Shvetambara sect art, he is shown in gold color, while in Digambara sect art, he is depicted in yellow.
Religion: Jainism
Description
Lord Padmaprabha is a revered figure in Jainism, celebrated as the 6th Tirthankara of the present age, known as Avasarpini. He was born to King Shridhar and Queen Susimadevi in Kausambi, part of the Ikshvaku dynasty. His name, meaning "bright as a red lotus," reflects his association with purity and spiritual radiance. According to Jain tradition, his mother had a desire to sleep on a bed of red lotuses during her pregnancy, symbolizing the auspicious nature of his birth.
From an early age, Padmaprabha displayed a deep sense of detachment from worldly pleasures. After fulfilling his royal duties, he renounced his throne and embraced asceticism, dedicating himself to the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Through intense meditation and penance, he attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) under a banyan tree and became a Tirthankara, guiding others on the path to liberation.
Lord Padmaprabha’s teachings emphasize the core Jain principles of non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha). He described the sufferings of the four life forms (gatis) and emphasized the importance of attaining moksha (liberation). He attained nirvana on Sammed Shikharji, becoming a siddha, a liberated soul free from the cycle of birth and death.
Padmaprabha is often depicted in a meditative posture, with his symbol, the red lotus, prominently featured. His legacy continues to inspire Jain practitioners, and numerous temples are dedicated to him, including the Padmaprabha Temple in Kausambi. His life and teachings remain a guiding light for those seeking spiritual growth and liberation.
Narratives
Previous Life as King Aparajit:
In his previous life, Lord Padmaprabha was King Aparajit, who ruled over Susima Nagri in the Ghatki Khand Dweep’s Purva Mahavideh Kshetra. King Aparajit was known for his straightforwardness, truthfulness, and religious nature. After listening to the teachings of a Tirthankara, he developed dispassion towards worldly life, took Diksha (initiation), and performed spiritual practices with great devotion. As a result, he earned the Tirthankara gotra and reincarnated as a celestial being in the ninth heaven.
Birth of Padmaprabha:
After completing his lifespan in the ninth heaven, Lord Padmaprabha was born to King Dhar and Queen Susima in Kaushambi Nagri. His birth was marked by auspicious signs, and his mother had a desire to sleep on a bed full of lotus flowers while he was in her womb. The newborn Lord had a beautiful and glowing face akin to a lotus flower, hence he was named Padmaprabha, meaning "bright as a red lotus"2.
Renunciation and Ascetic Life:
As a young prince, Padmaprabha was married and later crowned as the king. However, he eventually 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:
Six months after taking Diksha, Lord Padmaprabha attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) under a banyan tree on the full moon day of the month of Chaitra. His teachings focused on the core Jain principles of non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha). He described the sufferings that one undergoes in the four life forms (gatis) and emphasized the importance of attaining moksha (liberation)2.
Liberation (Moksha):
Lord Padmaprabha attained moksha (liberation) on the eleventh day of the dark half of the month of Margashirsh at Sammet Shikhar. He became a siddha, a liberated soul that has destroyed all of its karma. His liberation is celebrated by Jains, and numerous temples are dedicated to him.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Lord Padmaprabha
Lord Padmaprabha is the sixth 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: Padmaprabha 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: Padmaprabha 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: Padmaprabha 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: Padmaprabha is often depicted in a meditative posture, symbolizing his spiritual enlightenment. His emblem is the lotus, and he is associated with the Mahavenu tree.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Padmaprabha include the lotus and the Mahavenu tree. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke his presence and blessings.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Padmaprabha 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 Padmaprabha. These include offerings of food, flowers, and other goods to seek his favor and protection. Rituals often take place in temples dedicated to Padmaprabha, where devotees can offer prayers and make offerings.
Sacred Sites: Temples and shrines dedicated to Padmaprabha can be found throughout India and other regions with Jain populations. Some of the most famous sites include the Laxmani Tirth in Madhya Pradesh and the Padmaprabha Temple in Uttar Pradesh2.
Offerings: Offerings to Padmaprabha typically include food, flowers, and items related to his symbols, such as lotus flowers and Mahavenu leaves. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and blessings.
Festivals and Traditions
Padmaprabha Jayanti: Padmaprabha Jayanti is a major festival dedicated to Padmaprabha, celebrating his birth. The festival includes prayers, rituals, and offerings to seek Padmaprabha's blessings for the coming year.
Cultural Celebrations: Padmaprabha'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 Padmaprabha for protection, compassion, and the successful practice of their spiritual beliefs. Traditional prayers often invoke his role as the sixth Tirthankara and a symbol of renunciation.
Padmaprabha's role as the sixth Tirthankara embodies the core values and beliefs of Jainism, emphasizing the importance of compassion, renunciation, and spiritual liberation.