Here is the traditional Jain story of Pundarik Swami in simple form:

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Who was Pundarik Swami?

• Pundarik Swami (also called Pundarikgiri) was:

- Son of Bharat Chakravarti - Grandson of Bhagwan Rishabhdev (Adinath) – the 1st Tirthankar - One of the chief Ganadhars (main disciples) of Bhagwan Rishabhdev

He is a Siddha – he has attained Moksha and is worshipped with great respect, especially at Shatrunjay (Palitana).

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Main story of Pundarik Swami

1. Royal life, but inner detachment

Pundarik was born in great royalty as the son of Chakravarti Bharat. Even with all comforts, power and wealth, he felt that worldly pleasures are temporary and cannot give real peace.

1. Samyaktva (Right Faith) and Vairagya (detachment)

Listening to the divine sermons of Bhagwan Rishabhdev, Pundarik Swami developed: - Deep faith in the Tirthankar - Understanding of karmas and soul’s purity - Strong desire to walk on the path of moksha

1. Diksha – becoming a Sadhu

Leaving kingdom, family and all possessions, he took Jain diksha and became a monk. With full discipline, he followed: - Hard austerities (tapas) - Deep meditation - Complete non‑attachment

1. Sadhana at Shatrunjay (Palitana)

Pundarik Swami did his spiritual practice on Shatrunjay hill. According to Jain tradition, on this holy hill: - He observed a one‑month fast (maas-khaman) with full inner purity. - On the day of Chaitra Purnima, sitting in deep meditation, he destroyed his remaining karmas.

1. Kevaljnan and Moksha

- First, he attained Keval Jnan (infinite knowledge). - On the same Shatrunjay hill he finally attained Moksha and became a Siddha. Because of this, the hill is also called “Pundarikgiri” – the mountain where Pundarik Swami became Siddha.

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Importance in today’s Jain tradition

• At Shatrunjay / Palitana:

- At Taleti (base of the hill) there are paduka (foot‑prints) of Pundarik Swami. - Jains bow there remembering his vairagya, knowledge and tapas.

• Chaitra Purnima:

- Very special day because it is linked to Pundarik Swami’s Kevaljnan and Moksha. - Many Jains do yatra of Shatrunjay, pooja, pratikraman, and other rituals remembering him.

• Spiritual message of the story:

- Even someone with maximum worldly enjoyment (a prince, son of Chakravarti) can understand that: - Body, wealth and relations are temporary. - Only self‑realisation and freedom from karma is the true goal. - Through right faith, right knowledge and right conduct, and strong tapas, the soul can reach Siddhahood.

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Digambar / Shwetambar viewpoint

• Both traditions accept Pundarik Swami as:

- A great Ganadhar of Rishabhdev - A Siddha connected with Shatrunjay / Pundarikgiri

• Small details like exact description of rituals or some dates can differ in texts, but

the main story – his renunciation, sadhana at Shatrunjay, Kevaljnan and Moksha – is common in essence.

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You can read a bit more about Pundarik Swami and Chaitra Purnima on JainKnowledge here:

And a Q&A on Pundrik Swami here: