Jain Knowledge
Menu
  • JainGPT
  • Jain Directory
    • Jain Tirthsthaans
    • Jain Sangeetkars
    • Jain Pandits
    • Jain Acharya
    • Jain Businessman
  • Jain Media
    • Jain Stavan
    • Jain Pachkhan
    • Jain Stories
    • Jain Sutras
    • Jain Facts / Concepts
  • Advertise with us
Jain Knowledge
login Register

Get In Touch

phone
info@jainknowledge.com

online support

phone
Mumbai

India

  • Home
  • Jain Questions
  • How did Ravan's brother in law worship Parshvanath bhagwan when he came after neminath bhagwan
  • author Posted by
    Jain Follower

    How did Ravan's brother in law worship Parshvanath bhagwan when he came after neminath bhagwan

    8 months ago 161

    In Jain Dharma there is no problem if someone in an earlier time worships a Tirthankar who will take birth later in the same time‑cycle.

    1. How is this possible?

    In our Jain view:

    • The 24 Tirthankars of this avasarpini (present descending time-cycle) are fixed from the beginning.
    • Their:
    - names (e.g. Neminath, Parshvanath), - lanchhan (symbol), - place of birth, - parents’ names, - and time of keval‑jnan, moksh, etc.

    are already known to Kevali Bhagwans and higher devas very early in the cycle.

    Because of this:

    • Even before Parshvanath Bhagwan’s human birth, his future Tirthankar‑hood (as the 23rd) and his name “Parshvanath” are already known in lok (universe) through the teachings of earlier Kevalis and Tirthankars.
    • So devotees in an earlier period can:
    - know that “in future, Parshvanath will be Tirthankar,” - make an idol or do vandan of him in a bhavishyat‑tirthankar (future Tirthankar) form, - and worship him as a Siddha / Arihant tattva, not limited by our gross time calculation.

    Thus, time order of earthly birth does not limit bhakti. From nishchay naya (real standpoint), all Siddhas are anādi‑anant (beginningless–endless), and worship is really of that pure Siddha‑tattva, even if we use the particular name “Parshvanath”.

    2. Connection with Ravan stories

    Traditional Jain kathās say:

    • Ravan and Mandodari (and in some local versions relatives like his brother‑in‑law) were Jain‑dharmi, and
    • they worshipped Parshvanath Bhagwan (for example, the famous “Ravan Parshvanath” idol tradition).

    Here the important point is:

    • They are not worshipping a non‑existent Bhagwan.
    • They are worshipping the future 23rd Tirthankar, whose:
    - nam‑karma is already bound, - and whose details are already revealed by earlier Kevali Bhagwans.

    So even though Neminath Bhagwan (22nd) takes birth before Parshvanath Bhagwan (23rd) in historical sequence, knowledge about Parshvanath exists earlier, and devotees can worship him earlier as well. Therefore there is no contradiction in Jain Dharma.

    3. A related Jain example

    Just like:

    • Even today we do bhakti of future Tirthankars of next time‑cycles (e.g. chanting “chattīs bol, 24 Tirthankar, anant siddha…”) although we have not seen them,

    in the same way:

    • Earlier people in this avasarpini could worship Parshvanath Bhagwan before his human birth,
    on the basis of Kevali‑pragat gnan (omnisciently declared knowledge).

    ---

    If you want to read a simple Jain story about Ravan Parshvanath Bhagwan, you can see it here: “Story of Ravan Parshwanath Bhagwan”

    About Jain Knowledge

    JainGPT by JainKnowledge.com is India’s first AI-powered platform dedicated entirely to Jainism. Here, you can ask any question related to Jain Dharma — from rituals and history to philosophy and daily practices — and receive instant, accurate answers rooted in Jain principles.

    Our mission is to make Jain knowledge accessible to all, especially the next generation, through the power of technology. Whether you're a curious student or a lifelong seeker, JainGPT is your trusted digital guide for all things Jain.

    Authentic Jain knowledge, made simple and accessible for every generation.
    Follow Us
    Facebook ↗ Instagram ↗

    Stay connected for Jain knowledge, insights and community updates.

    Jain Knowledge

    JainGPT by JainKnowledge.com is India’s first AI-powered platform dedicated entirely to Jainism. Ask questions related to Jain Dharma, rituals, history, philosophy and daily practices, and receive answers rooted in Jain principles.

    Explore
    • JainGPT
    • Jain Directory
    • Jain Media
    • Advertise With Us
    • Disclaimer
    Our Mission

    Our mission is to make Jain knowledge accessible to all, especially the next generation, through the power of technology. Whether you're a curious student or a lifelong seeker, JainGPT is your trusted digital guide for all things Jain.

    info@jainknowledge.com Online support
    Mumbai India

    Copyright © 2026 Jain Knowledge

    Created by Katalyst Corp.