In the divine lineage of the 24 Tirthankaras, Lord Padmaprabha — the 6th Tirthankara of the present time cycle (Avasarpini) — radiates the symbolism of beauty, purity, and inner awakening. His name, Padmaprabha, means “the one with a glowing lotus-like aura,” which perfectly reflects his serene presence and spiritual brilliance.
Let us explore the divine life, teachings, and legacy of this revered soul.
👑 Birth & Early Life
- Birthplace: Kausambi (modern-day Allahabad region, Uttar Pradesh)
- Father: King Dhara Sena
- Mother: Queen Susima Devi
- Dynasty: Ikshvaku
- Symbol (Lanchhan): 🌸 Lotus (Padma) – purity, spiritual awakening
- Color (in iconography): Red (associated with vitality and spiritual radiance)
- Height: 250 dhanusha (approx. 750 feet – as per Jain cosmology)
- Lifespan: 9 lakh purvas (immense time units in Jain tradition)
🌟 Auspicious Birth
Like all Tirthankaras, Queen Susima Devi saw 14 auspicious dreams before his birth. These dreams signified that her child would not just be a king — but a spiritual emperor.
From childhood, Padmaprabha displayed qualities of calmness, compassion, and profound understanding of life beyond the material.
👑 A Righteous King Turned Ascetic
As a young prince and later as king, Padmaprabha ruled with kindness and fairness, always valuing non-violence, truth, and self-discipline.
However, he soon realized the transient nature of all power and pleasures. Inspired by inner wisdom, he renounced the throne and began his journey toward self-realization.
🧘 Renunciation & Keval Jnana
After renouncing worldly life, Lord Padmaprabha:
- Became a Digambara monk (sky-clad, possessing nothing)
- Practiced severe austerities and deep meditation
- Spent years in solitude, silence, and fasting
✨ Keval Jnana (Omniscience)
Through intense tapasya, he attained Keval Jnana — absolute knowledge that transcends space, time, and karma.
As a Tirthankara, he then established the Jain Sangha and preached the path of liberation to thousands of seekers.
📿 Core Teachings of Lord Padmaprabha
Lord Padmaprabha reaffirmed the eternal Jain principles, teaching that peace, purity, and self-discipline are the only true riches.
| 🕊️ Principle | 💬 Insight |
|---|---|
| Ahimsa (Non-violence) | Harm no creature — even in thought or indifference |
| Satya (Truth) | Speak only what is necessary, kind, and truthful |
| Aparigraha (Non-possession) | Renounce not just things, but also ego, pride, and fear |
| Samyak Darshan | Right belief is the seed of all spiritual growth |
| Mindful Living | Every action must be intentional and compassionate |
He encouraged followers to live like the lotus — in the world, yet untouched by its impurities.
🌄 Nirvana (Liberation)
- Place of Moksha: Shikharji (Parasnath Hills), Jharkhand
- Lord Padmaprabha attained liberation (moksha) after many years of spiritual guidance.
- His soul became a Siddha, free from karma, rebirth, and suffering.
🌸 Symbolism of the Lotus (Padma)
- The lotus is universally regarded as a symbol of purity, detachment, and spiritual emergence.
- It blooms in muddy water yet remains untouched — just as a Tirthankara rises above worldly delusion while living among us.
- In Jain art, the lotus throne often signifies a soul that is radiant, pure, and self-realized.
🛕 Temples & Worship
Lord Padmaprabha is revered across India and beyond in both Shwetambar and Digambar traditions.
Major Temples:
- Padmaprabha Temple, Humcha (Karnataka) – A beautiful Digambara shrine
- Palitana Temples (Gujarat) – Part of the 24 Tirthankara shrines
- Shikharji, Jharkhand – The site of his final liberation
- Padmaprabha idol in Kausambi (U.P.) – Commemorating his birthplace
Devotees worship him especially for mental peace, clarity, and spiritual strength.
📚 References in Jain Texts
His life is detailed in:
- Kalpa Sutra
- Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra
- Padmaprabha Charitra Granthas – Stories of his sermons and spiritual feats
🧘♂️ Why Lord Padmaprabha’s Message Matters Today
In today’s fast-paced, material-driven world, Lord Padmaprabha’s lotus-like wisdom reminds us:
“Live in the world — but do not let the world live in you.”
He teaches us to remain rooted in values, unaffected by chaos, and ever-aware of our true inner light.
🙏 Final Thought
Lord Padmaprabha’s divine journey is a call for inner blooming — a reminder that the path to moksha begins not with grand gestures but with stillness, awareness, and self-discipline.
His symbol, the lotus, is not just a flower — it is a philosophy of life.