Life & History
According to tradition, Dharmanatha was born to King Bhanu (Bhanuraja) and Queen Suvrata of the Ikshvaku dynasty at Ratnapuri. His name derives from "dharma," meaning righteousness or moral-spiritual duty, reflecting his role as an upholder of right conduct.
As with other Tirthankaras of this remote era, the surviving record is devotional and symbolic rather than a detailed historical biography; his importance lies chiefly in his position within the succession of ford-makers who periodically restore the Jain teaching.
Teaching & Significance
Dharmanatha's teaching, as with all Tirthankaras, centers on ahimsa and right conduct as the path to spiritual liberation, with his name itself evoking the centrality of dharma (righteous duty) to that path.
At a Glance
- Position
- 15th of twenty-four
- Emblem (Lanchhana)
- Vajra
- Traditional colour
- Golden
- Moksha Sthal
- Sammed Shikhar (Parasnath Hills, Jharkhand)