Life & History
Jain tradition holds that Ajitanatha was born into the Ikshvaku dynasty to King Jitashatru and Queen Vijaya in the city of Ayodhya, the same city associated with several other Tirthankaras.
As with most of the early Tirthankaras, detailed biographical narrative beyond his birth, renunciation, and attainment of liberation is limited in the scriptural record. His name, meaning 'the unconquered' or 'invincible one,' is understood to reflect his spiritual victory over inner passions rather than any worldly conquest.
He is recognized by his emblem, the elephant, used in Jain iconography to identify him among the 24 Tirthankaras.
Teaching & Significance
Ajitanatha taught the same core Jain path of ahimsa, truth, and detachment from worldly passions that leads the soul to liberation.
At a Glance
- Position
- Second of twenty-four
- Emblem (Lanchhana)
- Elephant
- Traditional colour
- Golden
- Moksha Sthal
- Sammed Shikharji, Jharkhand