2800th Nirvan Kalyanak of Bhagwan Parshvanath

Birth and Early Life

Around 2,900 years ago, in the sacred city of Varanasi, King Ashvasen and Queen Vamadevi were blessed with a son at midnight on Paush Krishna 10/11. The child was named Parshva Kumar. From an early age, he displayed exceptional intelligence and was highly praised by his teachers. He excelled in education, horsemanship, and the use of weapons, reflecting the qualities expected of a prince.

Innate Wisdom and Renunciation

Parshva Kumar was endowed from birth with three forms of knowledge (Gyan)—Mati Gyan (sensory knowledge), Shruti Gyan (scriptural knowledge), and Avadhi Gyan (clairvoyance). With this heightened awareness, he realised the impermanent nature of worldly pleasures and comforts. This deep insight inspired him to renounce royal life in pursuit of spiritual truth.

Initiation into Ascetic Life

On Pausha Krishna Ekadasi, standing beneath an Ashoka tree in Varanasi, Parshva Kumar plucked out five fistfuls of his hair and initiated himself into monkhood. Immediately upon renunciation, he attained the fourth form of knowledge, Manahparyaya Gyan, which enabled him to perceive the thoughts of others.

Attainment of Omniscience

On the 84th day of his ascetic journey, after completing an eight-day fast, Parshvanath attained Keval Gyan (Omniscience) and Keval Darshan (Omniperception) on Chaitra Krishna 4 at Varanasi. This marked his transformation into Bhagwan Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism.

Teachings and Spiritual Mission

After attaining omniscience, Bhagwan Parshvanath travelled extensively, delivering profound spiritual discourses. His teachings emphasised non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), self-restraint, and compassion. He strongly opposed ritualistic excesses, animal sacrifice, and outward ostentation in religious practices, striving instead to revive the true essence of Dharma. His message inspired countless followers toward ethical living and spiritual upliftment.

Nirvan at Mount Sammet Shikhar

As the time of liberation approached, Bhagwan Parshvanath, accompanied by thirty-three monks, journeyed to Mount Sammet Shikhar. There, he undertook a month-long fast and, after completing 100 years of life, attained Moksha (liberation) on the eighth day of the bright fortnight of Shravana, under the Vishakha constellation.

Enduring Influence and Sacred Chronology

Bhagwan Parshvanath’s teachings left an indelible imprint on Jain philosophy and practice. Jain devotees consider daily remembrance and veneration of Parshvanath as spiritually fulfilling. Jainacharya Shri Jinapiyushsagar Suriswarji M.S. regards him as an exceptionally influential Tirthankara.
Parshvanath’s Nirvan occurred 250 years before the Nirvan of Bhagwan Mahaveer, which is observed on Diwali. As the present era marks the 2550th year of Mahaveer’s Nirvan, the current year commemorates the 2800th year of Bhagwan Parshvanath’s Nirvan.

National Commemoration and Philatelic Tribute

To honour this momentous spiritual milestone, various commemorative and religious activities are being organised across the country, celebrating the life, teachings, and legacy of Bhagwan Parshvanath and reinforcing his timeless principles of truth, non-violence, and compassion.

Commemorative Postage Stamp

On this historic occasion, the Department of Posts proudly issues a Commemorative Postage Stamp marking the 2800th Nirvan Kalyanak of Bhagwan Parshvanath. This philatelic tribute recognises his enduring contributions to human welfare, ethical living, and spiritual enlightenment, and serves as a symbol of his everlasting influence on humanity.