DWC-E-005-BHAGWAN SHANtINATH

BHAGWAN SHANtINATH-_{AN INCARNATION OF PEACE}
Just as Vaidik literature describes series of 24 births, Jain literature also has descriptions of a series of 24 Tirthankars. In this sacred series, 16th Tirthankar was Bhagwan Shantinath. Bhagwan Shantinath was King Meghrath in one of his previous births when he demonstrated his compassion by offering his own flesh for saving the life of a pigeon who had come to him for protection. His sacrifice is a shining example of compassionate Indian culture. In Vaidik series also, a similar story is famous for King Shivi.
Bhagwan Shantinath was born in Hastinapur, the capital of Ikshvaku clan of kings. At the time of his birth, the whole country was attacked by an epidemic which got settled after his mother Achiradevi chanted Shanti Stotra. During his life, his kingdom was never affected by any calamity. That's why he became popular as the incarnation of peace (Shanti). He became the fifth Chakravarti Samrat and then after renouncing his kingdom became the sixteenth Tirthankar. He became popular as Incarnation of Peace during the time of Bhagwan Mahavir only. The proof of this lies in a statement by Bhagwan Mahavir "Santi Santikare Loe" meaning-Shantinath will establish peace in the world.
Today also, Shantinath is respected and worshipped by whole Jain society as the incarnation of peace. Whenever there is a natural calamity like epidemic, fear, fire etc. the devotees collectively chant Shanti Mantra to tackle them. They pray to and worship Shantinath and feel the miracle by which the calamity recedes. In this picture story, the short narration of Bhagwan Shantinath's various births is prepared by Sadhvi Dr. Vidyut Prabhashri based on Trishashti Shalaka Purush Charitra by Hemchandracharya etc.

• Diwakar Chitra Katha   
• Title : BHAGWAN SHANtINATH-_{AN INCARNATION OF PEACE}
• Serial: 05
• No. Of Pages : 36
• Language : English
• Publisher : Shree Diwakar Prakashan
• First Published On : ……