2900th Janm Kalyanak of Bhagwan Parshvanath

Parshvanath Stamp – Celebrating the 23rd Jain Tirthankara

The Parshvanath Stamp honors the life and teachings of Bhagwan Parshvanath, the 23rd Jain Tirthankara, whose message of compassion and non-violence continues to inspire humanity even after nearly three millennia. Issued to commemorate his legacy, this stamp is a treasure for philatelists and devotees alike, reflecting India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

Birth of a Divine Soul

Around 2,900 years ago, in the ancient city of Varanasi (then the capital of Bharatvarsha), King Ashvasena ruled with compassion and justice. His queen, Vamadevi, experienced divine dreams foretelling the birth of an extraordinary soul. One night, she saw a snake beside her—an omen that saved the King’s life from imminent danger.

On the 10th/11th day of the dark fortnight of Pausha, under the Vishakha constellation, a son was born at midnight. Named Parshva Kumar, his birth was celebrated with a grand ten-day festival, during which the King distributed abundant donations of food, clothing, and wealth to his people.

Early Life and Renunciation

From childhood, Parshva Kumar exhibited courage, wisdom, and spiritual depth. Trained in scholarship, weaponry, and horsemanship, he excelled in both intellect and skill. Despite the luxuries of palace life, his mind remained detached, drawn toward truth and meditation.

According to tradition, King Ashvasena arranged his marriage with Princess Prabhavati, daughter of King Prasenajit. However, the Digambar Jain tradition holds that Parshva Kumar remained unmarried, wholly devoted to spiritual contemplation.

At the age of thirty, Parshva Kumar renounced worldly life. On the eleventh day of the dark fortnight of Pausha, he reached the Ashram Udyana in central Varanasi, where he performed the ritual of plucking his hair in five handfuls, shed his ornaments, and embraced asceticism beneath an Ashoka tree.

Path to Enlightenment

As Muni Parshva, he traveled widely, spreading the principles of dharma, satya (truth), and ahimsa (non-violence). His words were simple yet profound, inspiring kings, scholars, and common people alike.

Returning to the Ashram Udyana of Varanasi, Parshva entered deep meditation beneath a Ghataki tree. After an eight-day fast, he overcame all karmic bondages and attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience)—the supreme knowledge and perception of truth.

Teachings and Legacy

As Bhagwan Parshvanath, he delivered discourses for the upliftment of all beings. His lucid teachings attracted countless followers, including his parents, Queen Prabhavati, and many scholars who embraced Jain initiation. His philosophy laid the foundation for the Fourfold Restraint (Chaturyama Dharma)—non-violence, truth, non-stealing, and non-possession—that later evolved into the core principles of Jainism.

Philatelic Significance

The commemorative stamp of Parshvanath is more than a collectible—it is a reminder of India’s ancient spiritual traditions and a saint whose vision of compassion and non-violence resonates even today. For philatelists, this stamp is a cherished symbol of Jain heritage, carrying the story of a Tirthankara whose life exemplifies the eternal quest for truth and liberation.