Parshvanatha

Pārśvanātha, also known as Pārśva and Pārasanātha, was the 23rd Tirthankara, or supreme preacher of Dharma, in Jainism. He is the earliest Jaina Tirthankara generally acknowledged as a historical figure, with some scholars suggesting his teachings form a historical nucleus within the legendary accounts of his life. Historians estimate he lived between the 8th to 6th century BCE, possibly founding a proto-Jaina ascetic community that was later reformed by Mahāvīra. According to traditional Jaina narratives, he was born to King Aśvasena and Queen Vāmādevī in Varanasi, 273 years before Mahāvīra, placing his life between the 9th and 8th centuries BCE. After renouncing worldly life, he founded an ascetic community and is considered the spiritual successor of the 22nd Tirthankar Neminatha. Pārśvanātha is believed to have attained moksha (liberation) on Mount Sammeda, a significant Jaina pilgrimage site. His iconography is distinct, featuring a serpent hood over his head, and his worship often includes the serpent deities Dharaṇendra and Padmāvatī. Texts from the two major Jaina sects, Digambara and Śvētāmbara, differ on the interpretation of his teachings, particularly regarding the number of vows and the practice of wearing clothes. Digambaras believe his teachings were identical to Mahāvīra's, while Śvētāmbaras suggest Mahāvīra expanded upon Pārśvanātha's four restraints with his emphasis on ahimsa and the addition of celibacy.