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{{short description|22nd Jain Tirthankara}}
{{short description|22nd Jain Tirthankara}}
{{distinguish|Naminatha}}
{{distinguish|Naminath}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
{{Infobox deity
{{Infobox deity
| type = Jain
| type = Jain
| deity_of = 22nd Jain [[Tirthankara]]
| image = Neminath bhagwan.jpg
| image = Neminath Ji.jpg
| caption = Idol of Neminath at Girnar Hill, Gujarat
| caption = Image of Neminatha at a Jain temple in [[Bateshwar, Uttar Pradesh]]
| alt = Neminath Bhagwan
| alt = Arishtanemi or successor
| venerated_in = [[Jainism]]
| venerated_in = [[Jainism]]
| other_names = Arishtanemi
| other_names = Nemi, Nem
| symbol = [[Shankha]] (conch){{sfn|Tandon|2002|p=45}}
| symbol = [[Shankha|Shankha (conch)]] {{sfn|Tandon|2002|p=45}}
| color = [[Black]]
| color = [[Black]]
| birth_date      = 84000 years ago
| father = [[Samudravijaya]]
| father = [[Samudravijaya]]
| mother = Shivadevi
| mother = Śivādevī
| height = 10 bows (98 feet){{sfn|Sarasvati|1970|p=444}}
| height = 10 [[Dhanusha (unit)|bows]] – {{convert|98|feet|m}}{{sfn|Sarasvati|1970|p=444}}
| age = 1000 years
| age = 1000
| tree =
| predecessor = [[Naminatha]]
| predecessor = [[Naminatha]]
| successor = [[Parshvanatha]]
| successor = [[Parshvanatha]]
| birth_place = [[Sauripura (Dvaraka)|Sauripura]]
| birth_place = [[Śaurīpura]]
| moksha_place = [[Mount Girnar]]
| moksha_place = [[Girnar]]
|spouse=Rajulakumari, also known as Rajamati and Rajimati}}
| member_of = [[Tirthankar]], [[Śalākāpuruṣa|Salakapurusha]], [[Arihant (Jainism)|Arihant]] and [[Siddha#Jainism|Siddha]]
| name = Neminath
| gender = Male
| god_of = 22nd [[Tirthankara]]
| dynasty = [[Puru and Yadu Dynasties#Emperor Yadu dynasty|Yaduvaṁśa—Harivaṁśa]] {{sfn|von Glasenapp|1925|p=317}}{{sfn|Doniger|1993|p=225}}
| birth_name = Ariṣṭanemi
}}
{{Jainism}}
{{Jainism}}


'''Neminatha''', also known as '''Nemi''' and '''Arishtanemi''', is the twenty-second ''[[tirthankara]]'' (ford-maker) in [[Jainism]]. Along with [[Mahavira]], [[Parshvanatha]] and [[Rishabhanatha]], Neminatha is one of the twenty four ''tirthankaras'' who attract the most devotional worship among the Jains.
'''Neminātha''' ([[Devanagari]]: नेमिनाथ) ([[Sanskrit]]: नेमिनाथः), also known as '''Nemi''' and '''Ariṣṭanemi''' ([[Devanagari]]: अरिष्टनेमि), is the twenty-second [[tirthankara]] of [[Jainism]] in the present age ({{lang|sa|[[Avasarpini]]}}). Neminath lived 84,000 years before the 23rd ''Tirthankar''  Parshvanath. According to traditional accounts, he was born to King [[Samudravijaya]] and Queen Shivadevi of the [[Yadu|Yadu dynasty]] in the north Indian city of [[Sauripura (Dvaraka)|Sauripura]]. His birth date was the fifth day of ''Shravan Shukla'' of the Jain calendar. [[Balarama]] and [[Krishna]], who were the 9th and last [[Śalākāpuruṣa#Triad of Baladeva, Vasudeva and Prativasudeva|Baladeva]] and [[Śalākāpuruṣa#Triad of Baladeva, Vasudeva and Prativasudeva|Vasudeva]] respectively, were his first cousins.


Neminatha lived 2356 years before the 23rd ''tirthankara'' Parshvanatha. He was the youngest son of king [[Samudravijaya]] and queen Shivadevi. [[Krishna]], who was the 9th and last Jain Vasudev, was his first cousin. He was born at [[Sauripura (Dvaraka)|Sauripura]] in the [[Yadu]] lineage, like Krishna. His birth date was the fifth day of ''Shravana Shukla'' of the [[Jain calendar]]. On his wedding day Neminatha heard the cries of animals being killed for the marriage feast, he left marriage and freed animals and he renounced the world to become a [[monk]] – a scene found in many Jain artwork. He is believed to have attained ''[[Moksha (Jainism)|moksha]]'' on [[Girnar Hills]] near [[Junagadh]], a [[pilgrimage]] center for Jains.
Neminatha, when heard the cries of animals being killed for his marriage feast, freed the animals and renounced his worldly life and became a Jain ascetic. The representatives of this event are popular in [[Jain art]]. He had attained ''[[Moksha (Jainism)|moksha]]'' on [[Girnar Hills]] near [[Junagadh]], and became a [[siddha]], a liberated soul which has destroyed all of its [[Karma in Jainism|karma]].
 
Along with [[Mahavira]], [[Parshvanatha]] and [[Rishabhanatha]], Neminath is one of the twenty-four ''Tirthankars'' who attract the most devotional worship among the Jains. His icons include the eponymous deer as his emblem, the [[Ailanthus excelsa|Mahavenu]] tree, ''Sarvanha'' (Digambara) or ''Gomedha'' (Śhvētāmbara) [[Yaksha]], and ''[[Ambika (Jainism)|Ambika]]'' [[Yakshi]].


==Nomenclature==
==Nomenclature==
The name Neminatha consists of two [[Sanskrit]] words, ''Nemi'' which means "rim, felly of a wheel" or alternatively "thunderbolt",{{sfn|Monier Williams|p=569}} and ''natha'' which means "lord, patron, protector".{{sfn|Monier Williams|p=534}} According to the Jain text ''[[Uttarapurana]]'', as well as the explanation of [[Hemachandra|Acharya Hemchandra]], it was the ancient Indian deity [[Indra]] who named the 22nd ''[[tirthankara]]'' as Neminatha, because he viewed the ''Jina'' as the "rim of the [[wheel of dharma]]". In ''[[Svetambara]]'' Jain texts, his name ''Aristanemi'' came from a dream his mother during pregnancy, where she saw a "wheel of ''Arista'' jewels".{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|pp=164-165}} His full name is mentioned as ''Aristanemi'' which is an epithet of the sun-chariot.{{sfn|Jain|Fischer|1978|p=17}}{{sfn|Zimmer|1953|p=225}} Neminatha's name is spelled close to the 21st ''tirthankara'' [[Naminatha]].{{sfn|von Glasenapp|1925|pp=317-318}}
The name Neminatha consists of two [[Sanskrit]] words, ''Nemi'' which means "rim, felly of a wheel" or alternatively "thunderbolt",{{sfn|Monier Williams|p=569}} and ''natha'' which means "lord, patron, protector".{{sfn|Monier Williams|p=534}}
 
According to the Jain text ''[[Uttarapurana]]'', as well as the explanation of [[Hemachandra|Acharya Hemchandra]], it was the ancient Indian deity [[Indra]] who named the 22nd ''[[tirthankara]]'' as Neminatha, because he viewed the ''Jina'' as the "rim of the [[wheel of dharma]]".{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=}}
 
In ''[[Śvetāmbara]]'' Jain texts, his name ''Aristanemi'' came from a dream his mother had during pregnancy, where she saw a "wheel of ''Arista'' jewels".{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|pp=164-165}} His full name is mentioned as ''Aristanemi'' which is an epithet of the sun-chariot.{{sfn|Jain|Fischer|1978|p=17}}{{sfn|Zimmer|1953|p=225}} Neminatha's name is spelled close to the 21st ''tirthankara'' [[Naminatha]].{{sfn|von Glasenapp|1925|pp=317-318}}


==Life==
==Life==


Neminatha was the twenty-second ''tirthankara'' (ford-maker) of the ''[[avasarpiṇī]]'' (present descending cycle of [[Jain cosmology]]).<ref name=britneminatha>{{cite web | title=Arishtanemi: Jaina saint | website=Encyclopedia Britannica | url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Arishtanemi | access-date=15 September 2017}}</ref>{{sfn|Zimmer|1953|p=224}}{{sfn|Tukol|1980|p=31}} Jain tradition place him as a contemporary of [[Krishna]], the eighth and last ''vasudev''.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=23}} There was a gap of 581,750 years between the Neminatha and his predecessor, [[Naminatha]] as per traditional beliefs.{{sfn|Zimmer|1953|p=226}}{{sfn|von Glasenapp|1925|pp=317-318}} He lived 2356 years before the 23rd ''tirthankara'', [[Parshvanatha]].{{sfn|Zimmer|1953|p=226}}
Neminatha was the twenty-second ''Tirthankara'' (ford-maker) of the ''[[avasarpiṇī]]'' (present descending cycle of [[Jain cosmology]]).<ref name=britneminatha>{{cite web | title=Arishtanemi: Jaina saint | website=Encyclopedia Britannica | url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Arishtanemi | access-date=15 September 2017}}</ref>{{sfn|Zimmer|1953|p=224}}{{sfn|Tukol|1980|p=31}} Jain tradition place him as a contemporary of [[Krishna]], the ninth and last ''vasudev''.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=23}} There was a gap of 581,750 years between the Neminatha and his predecessor, [[Naminatha]] as per traditional beliefs.{{sfn|Zimmer|1953|p=226}}{{sfn|von Glasenapp|1925|pp=317-318}}{{sfn|Finegan|1952|p=190}} He lived approx. 81,000 years before the 23rd ''Tirthankara'', [[Parshvanatha]] as per the ''Trishashtishalakapursusha Charitra'' of [[Acharya]] [[Hemachandra]].{{sfn|Zimmer|1953|p=226}}{{sfn|Finegan|1952|p=190}}


=== Birth and early life===
=== Birth ===
[[File:The birth of Aristanemi, one of the founding teac Wellcome L0031374.jpg|thumb|left|The birth of Aristanemi, [[Kalpa Sūtra]]]]
[[File:The birth of Aristanemi, one of the founding teac Wellcome L0031374.jpg|thumb|left|The birth of Aristanemi, [[Kalpa Sūtra]]]]
[[File:Neminath Wedding.JPG|thumb|left|Depiction of wedding procession of Neminatha. His legend states that he renounced after hearing animal cries while they were being sacrificed to prepare his wedding feast.{{sfn|Jain|Fischer|1978|pp=16–17}}]]


Neminatha is mentioned as the youngest son of king [[Samudravijaya]] and queen Shivadevi of the [[Yadu]] lineage,{{sfn|Doniger|1993|p=225}} born at [[Sauripura (Dvaraka)]].{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=24}} He believed to have become fond of animals in his early life due to being in a cattle herding family. Jain legends place him in the [[Girnar]]-[[Kathiawad]] (in [[Saurashtra region]] of modern-day [[Gujarat]]).{{sfn|Dhere|2011|pp=193–196}}{{sfn|Upinder Singh|2008|p=313}}{{sfn|Cort|2001|p=23}} His birth date is believed to be the fifth day of ''Shravana Shukla'' of the [[Hindu calendar]].{{sfn|Tukol|1980|p=31}} He is believed to have been born with a dark-blue skin complexion,{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=164}} very handsome but a shy young man.{{sfn|Doniger|1993|p=225}}{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=24}} His father is mentioned as the brother of [[Vasudeva]], Krishna's father, therefore the he is mentioned as the cousin of Krishna in ''Trishashti-salaka-purusha-charitra''.<ref name=britneminatha/>{{sfn|Johnson|1931|pp=1–266}}{{sfn|Jain|Fischer|1978|pp=16–17}}{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|pp=165-166}}{{sfn|Sangave|2001|p=104}}
Neminatha is mentioned as the youngest son of king [[Samudravijaya]] and queen Shivadevi of the [[Yadu]] lineage,{{sfn|von Glasenapp|1925|p=317}}{{sfn|Doniger|1993|p=225}} born at [[Sauripura (Dvaraka)]].{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=24}} He is believed to have become fond of animals in his early life due to being in a cattle-herding family. Jain legends place him in the [[Girnar]]-[[Kathiawad]] (in [[Saurashtra region]] of modern-day [[Gujarat]]).{{sfn|Dhere|2011|pp=193–196}}{{sfn|Upinder Singh|2008|p=313}}{{sfn|Cort|2001|p=23}} His birth date is believed to be the fifth day of ''Shravana Shukla'' of the [[Hindu calendar]].{{sfn|Tukol|1980|p=31}}


In one of the legends, on being taunted by [[Satyabhama]], wife of Krishna, Neminatha is depicted to have blown [[Panchajanya]], the mighty [[conch]] of Krishna.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=24}} According to the texts, no one could lift the conch except Krishna, let alone blow it.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=24}} After this event, ''[[Purana]]s'' state that Krishna decided to test Neminatha's strength and challenged him for a friendly duel. Neminatha, being a ''tirthankara'', is believed to have defeated Krishna easily.{{sfn|Doniger|1993|p=226}} He is also mentioned as spinning the [[chakra]] (discuss, primary weapon of Krishna) on his fingers during his childhood.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=24}}
=== Life before renunciation ===
 
[[File:Neminath Wedding.JPG|thumb|Depiction of wedding procession of Neminatha. His legend states that he renounced after hearing animal cries while they were being sacrificed to prepare his wedding feast.
{{sfn|Jain|Fischer|1978|pp=16–17}}]]
[[File:Idol of Bhagwan Neminath 20250816 072740505.MP.jpg|thumb|Idol of Bhagwan Neminath at Ancient Jain Basadi, [[Gerusoppa]], [[Karnataka]]]]
 
He is believed to have been born with a dark-blue skin and complexion,{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=164}} a very handsome but shy young man.{{sfn|Doniger|1993|p=225}}{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=24}} His height is mentioned as 10 [[Dhanusha (unit)|dhanusha]].{{sfn|Finegan|1952|p=190}} His father is mentioned as the brother of [[Vasudeva]], Krishna's father, therefore he is mentioned as the cousin of  [[Krishna]] in ''Trishashti-salaka-purusha-charitra''.<ref name=britneminatha/>{{sfn|Johnson|1931|pp=1–266}}{{sfn|Jain|Fischer|1978|pp=16–17}}{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|pp=165-166}}{{sfn|Sangave|2001|p=104}}{{sfn|Gaur|1976|p=46}} Sculptures found in [[Kankali Tila]], [[Mathura]] of Kushana period depicts Krishna and [[Balarama]] as cousins of Neminatha.{{sfn|Vyas|1995|p=19}}
 
In one of the legends, on being taunted by [[Satyabhama]], wife of Krishna, Neminatha is depicted to have blown [[Panchajanya]], the mighty [[conch]] of Krishna through his nostrils. According to the texts, no one could lift the conch except Krishna, let alone blow it.{{sfn|von Glasenapp|1925|p=318}}{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=24}} After this event, the Harivaṃśapurāṇa, as composed by Acharya Jinasena, states that Krishna decided to test Neminatha's strength and challenged him for a friendly duel. Neminatha, being a ''Tirthankara'', is believed to have defeated Krishna easily.{{sfn|Doniger|1993|p=226}} He is also mentioned as spinning a great Chakra with the right leg toe during his childhood.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=24}}


=== As a teacher ===
=== As a teacher ===
In the [[Kurukshetra War|war]] between Krishna and [[Jarasandha]], Neminatha is believed to have participated alongside Krishna.{{sfn|Beck|2012|p=156}} He is believed to have taught Krishna the knowledge that he shared with Arjuna in the ''[[Bhagavad Gita]]''. This is believed to be the reason that has led Jains to accept, read and cite the same as a spiritually important text. This is believed to be the reason for celebrating Krishna related festivals in Jainism and for intermingle with Hindus, who worship Krishna as one of the incarnation of Vishnu.{{sfn|Long|2009|p=42}} ''[[Chandogya Upanishad]]'', a religious text in Hinduism, mentions Angiras Ghora as the teacher of Krishna.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=23}} He is believed to have taught Krishna the five vows, namely, honesty, asceticism, charity, non-violence and truthfulness.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=23}} Ghora is identified as Neminatha by some of the scholars.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=23}} Mahabharata mentions him as the teacher of the path of salvation to [[king Sagara]].{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=23}} He may also be identified with a Scandinavian or Chinese deity, but such claims are not accepted generally.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|pp=23-24}}
In the [[Kurukshetra War|war]] between Krishna and [[Jarasandha]], Neminatha is believed to have participated alongside Krishna.{{sfn|Beck|2012|p=156}} This is believed to be the reason for celebrating Krishna-related festivals in Jainism and for intermingling with Hindus, who worship Krishna as one of the incarnations of Vishnu.{{sfn|Long|2009|p=42}}


=== Renunciation and final days ===
''[[Chandogya Upanishad]]'', a religious text in Hinduism, mentions Angiras Ghora as the teacher of Krishna.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=23}} He is believed to have taught Krishna the five vows, namely, honesty, asceticism, charity, non-violence and truthfulness. Ghora is identified as Neminatha by some scholars.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=23}} Mahabharata mentions him as the teacher of the path of salvation to [[king Sagara]]. He may also be identified with a Scandinavian or Chinese deity, but such claims are not accepted generally.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|pp=23-24}}
 
=== Renunciation ===
[[File:Jain temples on Girnar mountain aerial view.jpg|thumb|Neminatha temple complex on Girnar hills near Junagadh, Gujarat.]]
[[File:Jain temples on Girnar mountain aerial view.jpg|thumb|Neminatha temple complex on Girnar hills near Junagadh, Gujarat.]]
Jain tradition holds that the Neminatha's marriage was arranged with Rajulakumari or Rajimati or Rajamati, daughter of [[Ugrasena]].{{sfn|von Glasenapp|1925|p=318}}{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=24}} Ugrasena is believed to be the king of [[Dvārakā]] and maternal grandfather of Krishna.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=24}} He is believed to have heard animal cries as they were being slaughtered for the marriage feast. Taken over by sorrow and distress at the sight, he is believed to have given up the desire of getting married, and to have become a [[monk]] and gone to Mount [[Girnar]].<ref name=britneminatha/>{{sfn|Sehdev Kumar|2001|pp=143–145}}{{sfn|Kailash Chand Jain|1991|p=7}}{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|pp=165-166}}{{sfn|von Glasenapp|1925|pp=317-318}} His bride-to-be Rajulakumari is believed to have followed him, becoming a nun and his brother Rahanemi became a monk, joining his ascetic order.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=24}}{{sfn|Sangave|2001|p=104}}{{sfn|von Glasenapp|1925|p=318}}


Jain tradition holds that the Neminatha's marriage was arranged with Rajulakumari or Rajimati or Rajamati, daughter of [[Ugrasena]].{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=24}} Ugrasena is believed to be the king of [[Dvārakā]] and maternal grandfather of Krishna.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=24}} He is believed to have heard animal cries as they were being slaughtered for the marriage feast. Taken over by sorrow and distress at the sight, he is believed to have given up the desire of getting married, and to have become a [[monk]] and gone to Mount [[Girnar]].<ref name=britneminatha/>{{sfn|Sehdev Kumar|2001|pp=143–145}}{{sfn|Kailash Chand Jain|1991|p=7}}{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|pp=165-166}}{{sfn|von Glasenapp|1925|pp=317-318}} His bride-to-be is believed to have followed him, becoming a nun and joining his ascetic order.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=24}}{{sfn|Sangave|2001|p=104}} According to ''Kalpasutras'', Neminatha led an ascetic life there by eating only once every three days,{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2006|p=311}} meditated for 55 days and then obtained omniscience on Mount [[Raivataka]], under a Mahavenu tree.{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=164}} According to Jain texts Neminatha had 11 gandhara with ''Varadatta Svami'' as the leader of the Neminatha disciples.{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=165}} Neminatha's ''sangha'' (religious order) consisted of 18,000 ''sadhus'' (male monks) and 44,000 ''sadhvis'' (female monks) as per the mentions in ''Kalpa Sutra''.{{sfn|Cort|2001|p=47}}
According to ''Kalpasutras'', Neminatha led an ascetic life thereby eating only once every three days,{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2006|p=311}} meditated for 55 days and then obtained omniscience on Mount [[Raivataka]], under a Mahavenu tree.{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=164}}


After a life of about 1,000 years,{{sfn|Melton|Baumann|2010|p=1551}} he is said to have attained ''[[Moksha (Jainism)|moksha]]'' (nirvana) on the fifth peak or tonk (Urjayant Parvat) of Mount Girnar.{{sfn|Sangave|2001|p=104}}{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=165}}<ref name=britneminatha/> Of these 1,000 years, he is believed to have spent 300 years as a bachelor, 54 days as an ascetic monk and 700 years as an omniscient being.{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2006|p=311}}
===Disciples===
According to Jain texts Neminatha had 11 Gandhara with ''Varadatta Svami'' as the leader of the Neminatha disciples.{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=165}} Neminatha's ''sangha'' (religious order) consisted of 18,000 ''sadhus'' (male monks) and 44,000 ''sadhvis'' (female monks) as per the mentions in ''Kalpa Sutra''.{{sfn|Cort|2001|p=47}}
 
=== Nirvana ===
He is said to have lived 1,000 years{{sfn|Melton|Baumann|2010|p=1551}} and spent many years spreading his knowledge and preaching principles of ''[[Ahimsa in Jainism|ahiṃsā]]'' ([[nonviolence]]) and ''[[aparigraha]]'' (asceticism) in the [[Saurashtra region]].{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=25}}{{sfn|Finegan|1952|p=190}} He is said to have attained ''[[Moksha (Jainism)|moksha]]'' (nirvana) on the fifth peak or tonk (Urjayant Parvat) of Mount Girnar.{{sfn|Sangave|2001|p=104}}{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=165}}<ref name=britneminatha/> Of these 1,000 years, he is believed to have spent 300 years as a bachelor, 54 days as an ascetic monk and 700 years as an omniscient being.{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2006|p=311}}
 
The ''[[yaksha]]'' and ''[[yakshi]]'' of Neminatha are ''Sarvanha'' (Digambara) or ''Gomedha'' (Śhvētāmbara) [[Yaksha]], and ''[[Ambika (Jainism)|Ambika]]'' [[Yakshi]].{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=165}}


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==
=== Worship ===
=== Worship ===
Along with [[Mahavira]], [[Parshvanatha]] and [[Rishabhanatha]], Neminatha is one of the twenty four ''tirthankaras'' who attract the most devotional worship among the Jains.{{sfn|Dundas|2002|p=40}} Unlike the last two ''tirthankaras'', historians consider Neminatha and all other ''tirthankaras'' to be legendary characters.<ref name=britneminatha/> Scenes from Neminatha's life are popular in [[Jain art]].{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=165}} The [[yaksha]] and [[yakshi]] of Neminatha are Sarvanha and [[Ambika (Jainism)|Ambika]] according to Digambara tradition and Gomedha and Ambika according to Śvētāmbara tradition.{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=165}}
[[File:Anonymous - Teaching and Liberation of Nemi, from the Kalpa-sutra - 1932.119.19 - Cleveland Museum of Art (cropped).tiff|upright=0.75|thumb|Teaching and Liberation of Neminatha from ''Kalpa-Sutra'' dated {{circa|1500}}]]
 
Along with [[Mahavira]], [[Parshvanatha]] and [[Rishabhanatha]], Neminatha is one of the twenty-four ''Tirthankaras'' who attract the most devotional worship among the Jains.{{sfn|Dundas|2002|p=40}} Unlike the last two ''tirthankaras'', historians consider Neminatha and all other ''tirthankaras'' to be legendary characters.<ref name=britneminatha/> Scenes from Neminatha's life are popular in [[Jain art]].{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=165}} ''Jinastotrāņi'' is a collection of hymn dedicated to Neminatha along with [[Munisuvrata]], [[Chandraprabha]], [[Shantinatha]], Mahavira, Parshvanatha and Rishabhanatha.{{sfn|Lienhard|1984|p=137}}
 
The [[yaksha]] and [[yakshi]] of Neminatha are Sarvanha and [[Ambika (Jainism)|Ambika]] according to Digambara tradition and Gomedha and Ambika according to Śhvētāmbara tradition.{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=165}}
 
[[Samantabhadra (Jain monk)|Samantabhadra's]] ''Svayambhustotra'' praises the twenty-four ''tirthankaras'', and its eight [[shloka]]s (songs) adore Shantinatha.{{sfn|Jain|2015|pp=150–155}} One such ''shloka'' reads:
 
{{blockquote|O Worshipful Lord! Endowed with supreme accomplishments, you had burnt the karmic fuel with the help of pure concentration; your eyes were broad as open water-lilies. You were the chief of the Hari dynasty and had promulgated the unblemished tradition of reverence,  and control of the senses. You were an ocean of right conduct, and ageless. O Most Excellent Lord Ariṣṭanemi! After illuminating the world (the universe and the non-universe) through powerful ways of omniscience, you had attained liberation|Svayambhūstotra (22-1-121){{sfn|Jain|2015|pp=150-151}} }}


=== Literature ===
=== Literature ===
[[File:The Kalpasutra (the heroic deeds of the conquerors) Wellcome L0034141.jpg|thumb|[[Kalpa Sūtra]] recto Neminatha's blowing [[Krishna]]'s conch verso text]]
[[File:The Kalpasutra (the heroic deeds of the conquerors) Wellcome L0034141.jpg|thumb|[[Kalpa Sūtra]] recto Neminatha's blowing [[Krishna]]'s conch verso text]]
The Jain traditions about Neminatha is incorporated in the ''[[Harivamsa Purana]]'' of [[Jinasena]].{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=239}}{{sfn|Upinder Singh|2016|p=26}} A palm leaf manuscript on the life of Neminatha, named ''Neminatha-Charitra'', was written in 1198-1142 AD. It is now preserved in ''Shantinatha Bhandara'', [[Khambhat]].{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=253}} Rajul's love for Neminatha is described in the ''Rajal-Barahmasa'' (an early 14th-century poem of Vijayachandrasuri).{{sfn|Kelting|2009|p=117}} The incident were Neminatha is depicted as blowing Krishna's mighty conch is given in ''[[Kalpa Sūtra]]''.{{sfn|Jain|Fischer|1978|p=17}} The separation of Rajul and Neminatha has been a popular theme among Jain poets who composed [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] ''[[fagu]]s'', a poetry genre. Some examples are ''Neminatha Fagu'' (1344) by Rajshekhar, ''Neminatha Fagu'' (1375) by Jayashekhar and ''Rangasagara Neminatha Fagu'' (1400) by Somsundar. A poem ''Neminatha Chatushpadika'' (1269) by Vinaychandra depicted the same story.{{sfn|Amaresh Datta|1988|p=1258}}{{sfn|K. K. Shastree|2002|pp=56–57}}{{sfn|Nagendra|1988|pp=282–283}}{{sfn|Jhaveri|1978|pp=14, 242–243}}{{sfn|Parul Shah|1983|pp=134-156}} ''Arddha Nemi'', the "Unfinished Life of Nemi", is an incomplete epic by [[Janna]], one of the most influential Kannada poets of the 13th century.{{sfn|Rice|1982|p=43}}{{sfn|Sastri|2002|pp=358–359}}
The Jain traditions about Neminatha are incorporated in the ''[[Harivamsa Purana]]'' of [[Jinasena]].{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=239}}{{sfn|Upinder Singh|2016|p=26}} A palm leaf manuscript on the life of Neminatha, named ''Neminatha-Charitra'', was written in 1198-1142 AD. It is now preserved in ''Shantinatha Bhandara'', [[Khambhat]].{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=253}} The incident where Neminatha is depicted as blowing Krishna's mighty conch is given in ''[[Kalpa Sūtra]]''.{{sfn|Jain|Fischer|1978|p=17}}
 
Rajul's love for Neminatha is described in the ''Rajal-Barahmasa'' (an early 14th-century poem of Vijayachandrasuri).{{sfn|Kelting|2009|p=117}} The separation of Rajul and Neminatha has been a popular theme among Jain poets who composed [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] ''[[fagu]]s'', a poetry genre. Some examples are ''Neminatha Fagu'' (1344) by Rajshekhar, ''Neminatha Fagu'' (1375) by Jayashekhar and ''Rangasagara Neminatha Fagu'' (1400) by Somsundar. The poem ''Neminatha Chatushpadika'' (1269) by Vinaychandra depicted the same story.{{sfn|Amaresh Datta|1988|p=1258}}{{sfn|K. K. Shastree|2002|pp=56–57}}{{sfn|Nagendra|1988|pp=282–283}}{{sfn|Jhaveri|1978|pp=14, 242–243}}{{sfn|Parul Shah|1983|pp=134-156}}


Jains claim that Hindu sage Arishtnemi who is mentioned in ''[[Vedas]]'' is Neminath but Arishtnemi was Brahmin and Neminath was Kshatriya. And their time period were also different.
''Arddha Nemi'', the "Unfinished Life of Nemi", is an incomplete epic by [[Janna]], one of the most influential Kannada poets of the 13th century.{{sfn|Rice|1982|p=43}}{{sfn|Sastri|2002|pp=358–359}} ''Nemidutam'' composed by [[Acharya Jinasena]], 9th century, is an adoration of Neminatha.{{sfn|Acharya Charantirtha|1973|p=47}}
 
Neminatha, along with Rishbhanatha and the Śramaṇa tradition, has been mentioned in the [[Rigveda]]. Neminatha is also referred to in [[Yajurveda]].{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=269}}{{sfn|Reddy|2023|p=187}}


=== Iconography ===
=== Iconography ===
[[File:Tirumalai Neminatha Statue.jpg|thumb|The largest statue of Neminath with height of 16 meters at [[Tirumalai (Jain complex)|Tirumalai]] built in 12th century]]
[[File:Neminatha - National Museum, New Delhi.jpg|thumb|[[Tirthankara]]
Neminatha Sculpture, [[National Museum, New Delhi]], 11th Century]]


Neminatha is believed to have had the same dark-bluish colored skin as Krishna.{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|pp=164-168}} Painting depicting his life stories generally identify him as dark colored. His iconographic identifier is a conch carved or stamped below his statues. Sometimes, as with Vishnu's iconography, a [[chakra]] is also shown near him, as in the 6th-century sculpture found at the archaeological site near Padhavali ([[Madhya Pradesh]]).{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|pp=164-170}} Artworks showing Neminatha sometimes include [[Ambika (Jainism)|Ambika]] ''[[yakshi]]'', but her color varies from golden to greenish to dark-blue, by region.{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|pp=264-265}} The earliest known image of Neminatha was found in [[Kankali Tila]] dating back to c. 18 CE.{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=166}}
Neminatha is believed to have had the same dark-bluish-colored skin as Krishna.{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|pp=164-168}} Painting depicting his life stories generally identifies him as dark-coloured. His iconographic identifier is a conch carved or stamped below his statues. Sometimes, as with Vishnu's iconography, a [[chakra]] is also shown near him, as in the 6th-century sculpture found at the archaeological site near Padhavali ([[Madhya Pradesh]]).{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|pp=164-170}} Artworks showing Neminatha sometimes include [[Ambika (Jainism)|Ambika]] ''[[yakshi]]'', but her colour varies from golden to greenish to dark-blue, by region.{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|pp=264-265}}
 
The earliest known image of Neminatha was found in [[Kankali Tila]] dating back to c. 18 CE.{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=166}}


<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Neminatha Jain Tirthankara in Buddha style from Shreyansh giri site, now stored near sculpture shed Parvati and Mahadeva temples, Nachna Madhya Pradesh.jpg|Neminatha Jain statue (c. 475 CE), in Buddha style from Shreyansh giri
File:043 Cave 11, Relief (33969644505).jpg|Neminatha, [[Nasik Caves]], 6th century
File:043 Cave 11, Relief (33969644505).jpg|Neminatha, [[Nasik Caves]], 6th century
File:MET_DP161523.jpg|[[Akota Bronzes]], [[Metropolitan Museum of Art|MET museum]], 7th century
File:MET DP161523.jpg|[[Akota Bronzes]], [[Metropolitan Museum of Art|MET museum]], 7th century
File:Neminath Bhagwan.jpg|[[Pandavleni]]
File:Neminath Bhagwan.jpg|[[Pandavleni]]
File:Neminath, National Museum, New Delhi.jpg|Neminath Sculpture, [[National Museum, New Delhi]], 11th Century
File:Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum Dhubela Exhibit Item (4).JPG|Image at [[Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum]], 12th century
File:Maharaja_Chhatrasal_Museum_Dhubela_Exhibit_Item_(4).JPG|Image at [[Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum]], 12th century
File:Jain Tirthankara Neminath - Circa 12th Century CE - ACCN 00-B-77 - Government Museum - Mathura 2013-02-23 5079.jpg|Neminath idol, [[Government Museum, Mathura]], 12th Century
File:Jain Tirthankara Neminath - Circa 12th Century CE - ACCN 00-B-77 - Government Museum - Mathura 2013-02-23 5079.jpg|Neminath idol, [[Government Museum, Mathura]], 12th Century
File:Neminatha - Parshvanath temple, Tijara.jpg|Depiction of Neminatha on Naag as bed, chakra on foot finger and conch played by nose at [[Tijara Jain temple|Parshvanath temple, Tijara]]
File:Neminatha - Parshvanath temple, Tijara.jpg|Depiction of Neminatha on Naag as bed, chakra on foot finger and conch played by nose at [[Tijara Jain temple|Parshvanath temple, Tijara]]
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=== Temples ===
=== Temples ===
[[File:Girnar Jain temple - Neminath temple.jpg|[[Girnar Jain Temple]]|thumb]]
[[File:TEMPLE OF NEMINATHA ON MOUNT GIRNAR.jpg|[[Neminath temple, Girnar]] in 1911, from northeast|thumb]]


<!-- Only add those temples which have their own pages -->
Neminatha is one of the five most devotionally revered Tirthankaras, along with Mahavira, Rishabhanatha, Parshvanatha and Shantinatha.{{sfn|Dundas|2002|p=40}} Various Jain temple complexes across India feature him, and these are important pilgrimage sites in Jainism. Mount [[Girnar Jain Temple|Girnar]] of [[Gujarat]], for example, which is believed to have been a place where Neminatha is believed to have achieved [[Moksha (Jainism)|nirvana]].{{sfn|Cort|2001|p=229}}
* [[Girnar Jain temples]]
 
* [[Tirumalai (Jain complex)]]
''Luna Vasahi'' in [[Dilwara Temples]],  built in 1230 by two [[Porwad]] brothers - [[Vastupala]] and Tejpal, considered famous for ellaborate architecture and intricate carvings.{{sfn|Ching|Jarzombek|Prakash|2010|p=336}} The ceilings of the temple depicts scenes of the life of Neminatha with image of ''Rajmathi'' (who was to marry Neminatha){{Sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=169}} and [[Krishna]].{{Sfn|Titze|Bruhn|1998|p=253}}{{Sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=165}} [[Shanka Basadi]] in [[Lakshmeshwara]], built in 7th century, is considered one of the most important temple built by [[Kalyani Chalukyas]].{{sfn|Chugh|2016|p=300}} The temple derives its name from the image of Neminatha in ''[[kayotsarga]]'' posture standing on a large ''[[shankha]]'' (conch shell).{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=169}} The unique feature of this temple is a monolithic pillar with the carving of 1008 Tirthankaras known as ''Sahasrakuta Jinabimba''.{{sfn|Chugh|2016|p=295}}{{sfn|Chugh|2016|pp=305–306}} [[Adikavi Pampa]] wrote ''[[Ādi purāṇa]]'', seated in this [[basadi]] (temple) during 9th&nbsp;century.{{sfn|Azer|2011}}{{sfn|Chugh|2016|p=437}}
* [[Shanka Basadi]], [[Lakshmeshwara]]
 
* [[Kulpakji]]
Important Neminatha temple complexes include [[Tirumalai (Jain complex)]], [[Kulpakji]],  [[Arahanthgiri Jain Math]], [[Nemgiri]], [[Bhand Dewal]], [[Bhand Dewal]] in [[Arang]] and [[Odegal basadi]].
* [[Arahanthgiri Jain Math]]
* [[Nemgiri]]
* [[Dilwara Temples]]
* [[Bhand Dewal]], [[Arang]]
* [[Odegal basadi]]


<gallery>
<gallery>
Line 100: Line 134:
File:Upper Temple Complex at Tirumalai.jpg|[[Arahanthgiri Jain Math]]
File:Upper Temple Complex at Tirumalai.jpg|[[Arahanthgiri Jain Math]]
File:Chavundaraya Basadi on Chandragiri hill at Shravanabelagola.jpg|[[Chavundaraya Basadi]] in [[Shravanabelagola]]
File:Chavundaraya Basadi on Chandragiri hill at Shravanabelagola.jpg|[[Chavundaraya Basadi]] in [[Shravanabelagola]]
File:9th century Bhand Deul Jain brick temple, Arang Chhattisgarh.jpg|[[Bhand Dewal]]
File:9th century Bhand Deul Jain brick temple, Arang Chhattisgarh.jpg|[[Bhand Dewal]], [[Arang]]
File:Old jain temple belgaum (1).jpg|[[Kamal Basadi]]
File:Old jain temple belgaum (1).jpg|[[Kamal Basadi]]
File:Kumbhariya Jain Derasar complex, Ambaji Gujarat 240.jpg|[[Neminatha temple, Kumbharia]]
</gallery>
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==


{{commons cat}}
{{commons category}}
* [[God in Jainism]]
* [[God in Jainism]]
* [[Arihant (Jainism)]]
* [[Arihant (Jainism)]]
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===Citations===
===Citations===
 
{{reflist|23em}}
{{reflist|30em}}


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* {{citation |last=Sangave |first=Vilas Adinath |author-link=Vilas Adinath Sangave |title=Facets of Jainology: Selected Research Papers on Jain Society, Religion, and Culture |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QzEQJHWUwXQC |date=2001 |publisher=[[Popular Prakashan]] |location=[[Mumbai]] |isbn=978-81-7154-839-2 }}
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* {{citation |last=Shah |first=Natubhai |title=Jainism: The World of Conquerors |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qLNQKGcDIhsC |volume=1 |publisher=[[Motilal Banarsidass]] |year=2004 |isbn=9788120819382 |ref={{sfnref|Natubhai Shah|2004}} }}
* {{citation |last=Shah |first=Parul |title= The rasa dance of Gujarata |volume=1 |type= Ph.D. |chapter= 5 |date= 31 August 1983 |publisher= Department of Dance, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda |hdl=10603/59446 |ref={{sfnref|Parul Shah|1983}} }}
* {{citation |last=Shah |first=Parul |title= The rasa dance of Gujarata |volume=1 |type= Ph.D. |chapter= 5 |date= 31 August 1983 |publisher= Department of Dance, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda |hdl=10603/59446 |ref={{sfnref|Parul Shah|1983}} }}
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* {{citation |last=Shastree |first=K. K. |title=Gujarat Darsana: The Literary History |publisher=Darshan Trust, Ahmedabad |year=2002 |ref={{sfnref|K. K. Shastree|2002}} }}
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* {{citation |last=Singh |first=Upinder |author-link=Upinder Singh |title=A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Pq2iCwAAQBAJ |publisher=[[Pearson Education]] |date=2016 |isbn=978-93-325-6996-6 |ref={{sfnref|Upinder Singh|2016}} }}
* {{citation |last=Shah |first=Umakant Premanand |author-link=Umakant Premanand Shah |title=Jaina-rūpa-maṇḍana: Jaina iconography |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m_y_P4duSXsC |date=1987 |publisher=[[Abhinav Publications]] |isbn=81-7017-208-X |ref={{sfnref|Umakant P. Shah|1987}} }}
* {{citation |last=Shah |first=Umakant Premanand |author-link=Umakant Premanand Shah |title=Jaina-rūpa-maṇḍana: Jaina iconography |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m_y_P4duSXsC |date=1987 |publisher=Abhinav Publications |isbn=81-7017-208-X |ref={{sfnref|Umakant P. Shah|1987}} }}
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*{{cite book |last=Sastri|first= K.A. Nilakanta|title=A history of South India from prehistoric times to the fall of Vijayanagar|orig-year=1955|year=2002|publisher= Indian Branch, Oxford University Press|location= New Delhi|isbn= 0-19-560686-8}}  
* {{citation |last=Singh |first=Upinder |author-link=Upinder Singh |title=A history of ancient and early medieval India : from the Stone Age to the 12th century |date=2008 |publisher=[[Pearson Education]] |location=[[New Delhi]] |isbn=978-81-317-1120-0|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GW5Gx0HSXKUC |ref={{sfnref|Upinder Singh|2008}} }}
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* {{citation |last=Tandon |first=Om Prakash  |title=Jaina Shrines in India |publisher=Publications Division, [[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)|Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]], [[Government of India]] |isbn=81-230-1013-3 |date=2002 |orig-year=1968 |edition=1 |location=[[New Delhi]] }}
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* {{citation |last=Tukol |first=T. K. | author-link=T. K. Tukol |title=Compendium of Jainism |publisher=[[University of Karnataka]] |year=1980 |location=[[Dharwad]] }}
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* {{citation |editor-last=Vyas |editor-first=Dr. R. T. |author-link=R.T. Vyas |url={{Google books|fETebHcHKogC|plainurl=yes}} |title=Studies in Jaina Art and Iconography and Allied Subjects |publisher=The Director, Oriental Institute, on behalf of the Registrar, M.S. University of Baroda, Vadodara |year=1995 |isbn=81-7017-316-7 }}
* {{citation |last=Williams |first=Monier |author-link=Monier Monier-Williams |url=http://www.ibiblio.org/sripedia/ebooks/mw/index.html |title=Nemi - Sanskrit English Dictionary with Etymology |publisher=Oxford University Press |ref={{sfnref|Monier Williams}} }}
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{{refend}}


{{Jain Gods}}
{{Jain Gods}}
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[[Category:Neminatha]]
[[Category:Neminatha]]
[[Category:Tirthankaras]]
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[[Category:Indian Jain monks]]
[[Category:Indian Jain monks]]

Latest revision as of 07:51, 7 December 2025


Not to be confused with Naminath.

Neminath
Member of Tirthankar, Salakapurusha, Arihant and Siddha
Neminath Bhagwan
Idol of Neminath at Girnar Hill, Gujarat
Other namesNemi, Nem
Venerated inJainism
PredecessorNaminatha
SuccessorParshvanatha
SymbolShankha (conch) [1]
Height10 bows – 98 feet (30 m)[2]
Age1000
ColorBlack
GenderMale
Personal information
Born
Ariṣṭanemi

Śaurīpura
Died
Girnar
Parents
DynastyYaduvaṁśa—Harivaṁśa [3][4]
Part of a series on
Jainism
Jain prayers
Philosophy
Ethics
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Major sects
Jain Literature
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Festivals
Pilgrimages
Tirth

Neminātha (Devanagari: नेमिनाथ) (Sanskrit: नेमिनाथः), also known as Nemi and Ariṣṭanemi (Devanagari: अरिष्टनेमि), is the twenty-second tirthankara of Jainism in the present age (Avasarpini). Neminath lived 84,000 years before the 23rd Tirthankar Parshvanath. According to traditional accounts, he was born to King Samudravijaya and Queen Shivadevi of the Yadu dynasty in the north Indian city of Sauripura. His birth date was the fifth day of Shravan Shukla of the Jain calendar. Balarama and Krishna, who were the 9th and last Baladeva and Vasudeva respectively, were his first cousins.

Neminatha, when heard the cries of animals being killed for his marriage feast, freed the animals and renounced his worldly life and became a Jain ascetic. The representatives of this event are popular in Jain art. He had attained moksha on Girnar Hills near Junagadh, and became a siddha, a liberated soul which has destroyed all of its karma.

Along with Mahavira, Parshvanatha and Rishabhanatha, Neminath is one of the twenty-four Tirthankars who attract the most devotional worship among the Jains. His icons include the eponymous deer as his emblem, the Mahavenu tree, Sarvanha (Digambara) or Gomedha (Śhvētāmbara) Yaksha, and Ambika Yakshi.

Nomenclature[edit | edit source]

The name Neminatha consists of two Sanskrit words, Nemi which means "rim, felly of a wheel" or alternatively "thunderbolt",[5] and natha which means "lord, patron, protector".[6]

According to the Jain text Uttarapurana, as well as the explanation of Acharya Hemchandra, it was the ancient Indian deity Indra who named the 22nd tirthankara as Neminatha, because he viewed the Jina as the "rim of the wheel of dharma".[7]

In Śvetāmbara Jain texts, his name Aristanemi came from a dream his mother had during pregnancy, where she saw a "wheel of Arista jewels".[8] His full name is mentioned as Aristanemi which is an epithet of the sun-chariot.[9][10] Neminatha's name is spelled close to the 21st tirthankara Naminatha.[11]

Life[edit | edit source]

Neminatha was the twenty-second Tirthankara (ford-maker) of the avasarpiṇī (present descending cycle of Jain cosmology).[12][13][14] Jain tradition place him as a contemporary of Krishna, the ninth and last vasudev.[15] There was a gap of 581,750 years between the Neminatha and his predecessor, Naminatha as per traditional beliefs.[16][11][17] He lived approx. 81,000 years before the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha as per the Trishashtishalakapursusha Charitra of Acharya Hemachandra.[16][17]

Birth[edit | edit source]

The birth of Aristanemi, Kalpa Sūtra

Neminatha is mentioned as the youngest son of king Samudravijaya and queen Shivadevi of the Yadu lineage,[3][4] born at Sauripura (Dvaraka).[18] He is believed to have become fond of animals in his early life due to being in a cattle-herding family. Jain legends place him in the Girnar-Kathiawad (in Saurashtra region of modern-day Gujarat).[19][20][21] His birth date is believed to be the fifth day of Shravana Shukla of the Hindu calendar.[14]

Life before renunciation[edit | edit source]

Depiction of wedding procession of Neminatha. His legend states that he renounced after hearing animal cries while they were being sacrificed to prepare his wedding feast. [22]
Idol of Bhagwan Neminath at Ancient Jain Basadi, Gerusoppa, Karnataka

He is believed to have been born with a dark-blue skin and complexion,[23] a very handsome but shy young man.[4][18] His height is mentioned as 10 dhanusha.[17] His father is mentioned as the brother of Vasudeva, Krishna's father, therefore he is mentioned as the cousin of Krishna in Trishashti-salaka-purusha-charitra.[12][24][22][25][26][27] Sculptures found in Kankali Tila, Mathura of Kushana period depicts Krishna and Balarama as cousins of Neminatha.[28]

In one of the legends, on being taunted by Satyabhama, wife of Krishna, Neminatha is depicted to have blown Panchajanya, the mighty conch of Krishna through his nostrils. According to the texts, no one could lift the conch except Krishna, let alone blow it.[29][18] After this event, the Harivaṃśapurāṇa, as composed by Acharya Jinasena, states that Krishna decided to test Neminatha's strength and challenged him for a friendly duel. Neminatha, being a Tirthankara, is believed to have defeated Krishna easily.[30] He is also mentioned as spinning a great Chakra with the right leg toe during his childhood.[18]

As a teacher[edit | edit source]

In the war between Krishna and Jarasandha, Neminatha is believed to have participated alongside Krishna.[31] This is believed to be the reason for celebrating Krishna-related festivals in Jainism and for intermingling with Hindus, who worship Krishna as one of the incarnations of Vishnu.[32]

Chandogya Upanishad, a religious text in Hinduism, mentions Angiras Ghora as the teacher of Krishna.[15] He is believed to have taught Krishna the five vows, namely, honesty, asceticism, charity, non-violence and truthfulness. Ghora is identified as Neminatha by some scholars.[15] Mahabharata mentions him as the teacher of the path of salvation to king Sagara. He may also be identified with a Scandinavian or Chinese deity, but such claims are not accepted generally.[33]

Renunciation[edit | edit source]

Neminatha temple complex on Girnar hills near Junagadh, Gujarat.

Jain tradition holds that the Neminatha's marriage was arranged with Rajulakumari or Rajimati or Rajamati, daughter of Ugrasena.[29][18] Ugrasena is believed to be the king of Dvārakā and maternal grandfather of Krishna.[18] He is believed to have heard animal cries as they were being slaughtered for the marriage feast. Taken over by sorrow and distress at the sight, he is believed to have given up the desire of getting married, and to have become a monk and gone to Mount Girnar.[12][34][35][25][11] His bride-to-be Rajulakumari is believed to have followed him, becoming a nun and his brother Rahanemi became a monk, joining his ascetic order.[18][26][29]

According to Kalpasutras, Neminatha led an ascetic life thereby eating only once every three days,[36] meditated for 55 days and then obtained omniscience on Mount Raivataka, under a Mahavenu tree.[23]

Disciples[edit | edit source]

According to Jain texts Neminatha had 11 Gandhara with Varadatta Svami as the leader of the Neminatha disciples.[37] Neminatha's sangha (religious order) consisted of 18,000 sadhus (male monks) and 44,000 sadhvis (female monks) as per the mentions in Kalpa Sutra.[38]

Nirvana[edit | edit source]

He is said to have lived 1,000 years[39] and spent many years spreading his knowledge and preaching principles of ahiṃsā (nonviolence) and aparigraha (asceticism) in the Saurashtra region.[40][17] He is said to have attained moksha (nirvana) on the fifth peak or tonk (Urjayant Parvat) of Mount Girnar.[26][37][12] Of these 1,000 years, he is believed to have spent 300 years as a bachelor, 54 days as an ascetic monk and 700 years as an omniscient being.[36]

The yaksha and yakshi of Neminatha are Sarvanha (Digambara) or Gomedha (Śhvētāmbara) Yaksha, and Ambika Yakshi.[37]

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Worship[edit | edit source]

File:Anonymous - Teaching and Liberation of Nemi, from the Kalpa-sutra - 1932.119.19 - Cleveland Museum of Art (cropped).tiff

Along with Mahavira, Parshvanatha and Rishabhanatha, Neminatha is one of the twenty-four Tirthankaras who attract the most devotional worship among the Jains.[41] Unlike the last two tirthankaras, historians consider Neminatha and all other tirthankaras to be legendary characters.[12] Scenes from Neminatha's life are popular in Jain art.[37] Jinastotrāņi is a collection of hymn dedicated to Neminatha along with Munisuvrata, Chandraprabha, Shantinatha, Mahavira, Parshvanatha and Rishabhanatha.[42]

The yaksha and yakshi of Neminatha are Sarvanha and Ambika according to Digambara tradition and Gomedha and Ambika according to Śhvētāmbara tradition.[37]

Samantabhadra's Svayambhustotra praises the twenty-four tirthankaras, and its eight shlokas (songs) adore Shantinatha.[43] One such shloka reads:

O Worshipful Lord! Endowed with supreme accomplishments, you had burnt the karmic fuel with the help of pure concentration; your eyes were broad as open water-lilies. You were the chief of the Hari dynasty and had promulgated the unblemished tradition of reverence, and control of the senses. You were an ocean of right conduct, and ageless. O Most Excellent Lord Ariṣṭanemi! After illuminating the world (the universe and the non-universe) through powerful ways of omniscience, you had attained liberation

— Svayambhūstotra (22-1-121)[44]

Literature[edit | edit source]

Kalpa Sūtra recto Neminatha's blowing Krishna's conch verso text

The Jain traditions about Neminatha are incorporated in the Harivamsa Purana of Jinasena.[45][46] A palm leaf manuscript on the life of Neminatha, named Neminatha-Charitra, was written in 1198-1142 AD. It is now preserved in Shantinatha Bhandara, Khambhat.[47] The incident where Neminatha is depicted as blowing Krishna's mighty conch is given in Kalpa Sūtra.[9]

Rajul's love for Neminatha is described in the Rajal-Barahmasa (an early 14th-century poem of Vijayachandrasuri).[48] The separation of Rajul and Neminatha has been a popular theme among Jain poets who composed Gujarati fagus, a poetry genre. Some examples are Neminatha Fagu (1344) by Rajshekhar, Neminatha Fagu (1375) by Jayashekhar and Rangasagara Neminatha Fagu (1400) by Somsundar. The poem Neminatha Chatushpadika (1269) by Vinaychandra depicted the same story.[49][50][51][52][53]

Arddha Nemi, the "Unfinished Life of Nemi", is an incomplete epic by Janna, one of the most influential Kannada poets of the 13th century.[54][55] Nemidutam composed by Acharya Jinasena, 9th century, is an adoration of Neminatha.[56]

Neminatha, along with Rishbhanatha and the Śramaṇa tradition, has been mentioned in the Rigveda. Neminatha is also referred to in Yajurveda.[57][58]

Iconography[edit | edit source]

Tirthankara Neminatha Sculpture, National Museum, New Delhi, 11th Century

Neminatha is believed to have had the same dark-bluish-colored skin as Krishna.[59] Painting depicting his life stories generally identifies him as dark-coloured. His iconographic identifier is a conch carved or stamped below his statues. Sometimes, as with Vishnu's iconography, a chakra is also shown near him, as in the 6th-century sculpture found at the archaeological site near Padhavali (Madhya Pradesh).[60] Artworks showing Neminatha sometimes include Ambika yakshi, but her colour varies from golden to greenish to dark-blue, by region.[61]

The earliest known image of Neminatha was found in Kankali Tila dating back to c. 18 CE.[62]

Temples[edit | edit source]

Neminath temple, Girnar in 1911, from northeast

Neminatha is one of the five most devotionally revered Tirthankaras, along with Mahavira, Rishabhanatha, Parshvanatha and Shantinatha.[41] Various Jain temple complexes across India feature him, and these are important pilgrimage sites in Jainism. Mount Girnar of Gujarat, for example, which is believed to have been a place where Neminatha is believed to have achieved nirvana.[63]

Luna Vasahi in Dilwara Temples, built in 1230 by two Porwad brothers - Vastupala and Tejpal, considered famous for ellaborate architecture and intricate carvings.[64] The ceilings of the temple depicts scenes of the life of Neminatha with image of Rajmathi (who was to marry Neminatha)[65] and Krishna.[66][37] Shanka Basadi in Lakshmeshwara, built in 7th century, is considered one of the most important temple built by Kalyani Chalukyas.[67] The temple derives its name from the image of Neminatha in kayotsarga posture standing on a large shankha (conch shell).[65] The unique feature of this temple is a monolithic pillar with the carving of 1008 Tirthankaras known as Sahasrakuta Jinabimba.[68][69] Adikavi Pampa wrote Ādi purāṇa, seated in this basadi (temple) during 9th century.[70][71]

Important Neminatha temple complexes include Tirumalai (Jain complex), Kulpakji, Arahanthgiri Jain Math, Nemgiri, Bhand Dewal, Bhand Dewal in Arang and Odegal basadi.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Citations[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Tandon 2002, p. 45.
  2. ↑ Sarasvati 1970, p. 444.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 von Glasenapp 1925, p. 317.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Doniger 1993, p. 225.
  5. ↑ Monier Williams, p. 569.
  6. ↑ Monier Williams, p. 534.
  7. ↑ Umakant P. Shah 1987.
  8. ↑ Umakant P. Shah 1987, pp. 164-165.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Jain & Fischer 1978, p. 17.
  10. ↑ Zimmer 1953, p. 225.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 von Glasenapp 1925, pp. 317-318.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 "Arishtanemi: Jaina saint". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
  13. ↑ Zimmer 1953, p. 224.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Tukol 1980, p. 31.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Natubhai Shah 2004, p. 23.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Zimmer 1953, p. 226.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 Finegan 1952, p. 190.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 18.6 Natubhai Shah 2004, p. 24.
  19. ↑ Dhere 2011, pp. 193–196.
  20. ↑ Upinder Singh 2008, p. 313.
  21. ↑ Cort 2001, p. 23.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Jain & Fischer 1978, pp. 16–17.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Umakant P. Shah 1987, p. 164.
  24. ↑ Johnson 1931, pp. 1–266.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Umakant P. Shah 1987, pp. 165-166.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 Sangave 2001, p. 104.
  27. ↑ Gaur 1976, p. 46.
  28. ↑ Vyas 1995, p. 19.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 von Glasenapp 1925, p. 318.
  30. ↑ Doniger 1993, p. 226.
  31. ↑ Beck 2012, p. 156.
  32. ↑ Long 2009, p. 42.
  33. ↑ Natubhai Shah 2004, pp. 23-24.
  34. ↑ Sehdev Kumar 2001, pp. 143–145.
  35. ↑ Kailash Chand Jain 1991, p. 7.
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 Jones & Ryan 2006, p. 311.
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 37.2 37.3 37.4 37.5 Umakant P. Shah 1987, p. 165.
  38. ↑ Cort 2001, p. 47.
  39. ↑ Melton & Baumann 2010, p. 1551.
  40. ↑ Natubhai Shah 2004, p. 25.
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 Dundas 2002, p. 40.
  42. ↑ Lienhard 1984, p. 137.
  43. ↑ Jain 2015, pp. 150–155.
  44. ↑ Jain 2015, pp. 150-151.
  45. ↑ Umakant P. Shah 1987, p. 239.
  46. ↑ Upinder Singh 2016, p. 26.
  47. ↑ Umakant P. Shah 1987, p. 253.
  48. ↑ Kelting 2009, p. 117.
  49. ↑ Amaresh Datta 1988, p. 1258.
  50. ↑ K. K. Shastree 2002, pp. 56–57.
  51. ↑ Nagendra 1988, pp. 282–283.
  52. ↑ Jhaveri 1978, pp. 14, 242–243.
  53. ↑ Parul Shah 1983, pp. 134-156.
  54. ↑ Rice 1982, p. 43.
  55. ↑ Sastri 2002, pp. 358–359.
  56. ↑ Acharya Charantirtha 1973, p. 47.
  57. ↑ Natubhai Shah 2004, p. 269.
  58. ↑ Reddy 2023, p. 187.
  59. ↑ Umakant P. Shah 1987, pp. 164-168.
  60. ↑ Umakant P. Shah 1987, pp. 164-170.
  61. ↑ Umakant P. Shah 1987, pp. 264-265.
  62. ↑ Umakant P. Shah 1987, p. 166.
  63. ↑ Cort 2001, p. 229.
  64. ↑ Ching, Jarzombek & Prakash 2010, p. 336.
  65. ↑ 65.0 65.1 Umakant P. Shah 1987, p. 169.
  66. ↑ Titze & Bruhn 1998, p. 253.
  67. ↑ Chugh 2016, p. 300.
  68. ↑ Chugh 2016, p. 295.
  69. ↑ Chugh 2016, pp. 305–306.
  70. ↑ Azer 2011.
  71. ↑ Chugh 2016, p. 437.

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