Life & History
Tradition holds that Anantanatha was born to King Simhasena and Queen Suyasha of the Ikshvaku dynasty at Ayodhya. His name comes from "ananta," meaning infinite or endless, generally understood to allude to infinite virtues or the infinite karmas destroyed on the path to liberation.
As with other Tirthankaras of this ancient period, little specific biographical detail beyond birth, renunciation, enlightenment, and liberation is recorded; his significance rests primarily in his place within the lineage of ford-makers who revive the Jain teaching in successive ages.
Teaching & Significance
Anantanatha is held to have taught the same eternal Jain path of non-violence, truthfulness, and right conduct leading toward liberation as all Tirthankaras.
At a Glance
- Position
- 14th of twenty-four
- Emblem (Lanchhana)
- Porcupine / Falcon
- Traditional colour
- Golden
- Moksha Sthal
- Sammed Shikhar (Parasnath Hills, Jharkhand)