Shri Parshvanath Jayanti

Shri Parshvanath Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism. He is believed to have been born in the 9th century BCE in Varanasi (Kashi) to King Ashvasena and Queen Vamadevi. Lord Parshvanath is revered as the predecessor of Lord Mahavira and is credited with establishing the fourfold community of sadhus, sadhvis, shravaks, and shravikas (monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen).

Before becoming a Tirthankara, Parshvanath encountered a Brahmin performing a ritual with fire. He noticed a snake trapped in the fire and rescued it, covering it with leaves to protect it from the heat. This act of compassion — saving a life without consideration of caste or creed — exemplifies the Jain principle of ahimsa in its purest form. The snake, reborn as a celestial being, is said to have later protected Parshvanath during his spiritual practice.

On Parshvanath Jayanti, Jains observe abhishekam of Lord Parshvanath's idol, which is often depicted with a serpent canopy — a reminder of the snake he saved. Temples dedicated to Parshvanath, such as the famous Shikharji pilgrimage site in Jharkhand, hold special celebrations. Devotees recite prayers, observe fasting, and reflect on the virtues of compassion and non-violence that Lord Parshvanath championed throughout his life.