Venerated Lord Neminath Bhagwan (vegetarian): 22nd Tirthankara of Jainism, Part 1 of 2

The Venerated Lord Neminath Bhagwan (vegetarian) was the 22nd Tirthankara, or enlightened Master, of Jainism. “Tirthankara” literally translates to “Ford-Maker.” The term “ford” in this context refers to a metaphorical crossing or passage. A Tirthankara is believed to have conquered saṃsāra, crossing the ocean of death and rebirth on their own, and forging a path so that others can follow. Lord Neminath emphasized the importance of non-violence, compassion, truthfulness, leading a virtuous and ethical life, and detachment from bindings. His teachings and life are chronicled in several Jain scriptures, such as the Bhagavati Sūtra and Uttaradhyayana Sūtra. He is also known to be a protector of animal-people. He has a very close affinity with citizens of the deer kingdom and is, at times, represented by a deer-person.

The nine lives of Lord Neminath reflect His progressive spiritual journey, culminating in His final birth as Lord Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara, who attained enlightenment and guided others toward liberation. The first birth was Prince Dhanpati. According to legend, when Prince Dhanpati’s mother was pregnant with him, she had a dream about a mango tree planted in nine different places. When she asked about the meaning of this dream, she was told that her child would take nine successive births, each one higher than the last.

In His seventh life, He was born a prince named Shankh and was very intelligent and wise. Using his talents, he was able to pacify smugglers, bandits, and robbers who were threatening the safety of the whole state, and he won them over without any bloodshed. Prince Shankh was able to save Princess Yashomati from the hands of a vidyadhar (a lower god). They then fell in love and married, later becoming king and queen. They were so in love that he wished to know the reason for their intense bond. A scholarly ascetic revealed that they had been husband and wife for seven lives already, including the present one. However, in King Shankh’s future ninth birth, he was destined to become the 22nd Tirthankara, and at that time, their romantic affinity would cease.

Lord Neminath Bhagwan is believed to have had the same dark-bluish skin color like Lord Krishna, and His symbol is a Conch Varadatta, or Shankha Conch. It is said that the young Lord Neminath was able to play the large, heavy Pāñcajanya conch, even though it was believed that only Lord Krishna could lift and blow a sound from it.