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How Krishna becones Tirthankar
In Jainism, the idea is like this:
- Who is Krishna in Jain Dharma?
- Krishna is not a Tirthankar in the present time‑cycle. - He is described as 9th Vasudev (one of the 63 Shalaka‑Purush) and the cousin of 22nd Tirthankar Shri Neminath (Arishtanemi).
- Is Krishna a Tirthankar now?
- No. In the present Avasarpini (descending time‑cycle), the last (24th) Tirthankar is Bhagwan Mahavir. - Krishna is not counted among these 24 Tirthankars.
- How can Krishna become a Tirthankar (according to Jain stories)?
Many Jain kathas say that:
- Krishna had great faith (shraddha) in Bhagwan Neminath. - He did vandan (reverential bowing) to thousands of sadhus in Neminath’s samavasaran with deep humility and bhakti. - He also encouraged many people to accept Jain vows and follow the path of Neminath.
Because of this very intense punya and bhakti, it is said that he bound Tirthankar‑naam‑karma. Result: - After completing his remaining karmas (including the results of violence of wars etc.), - in a future time‑cycle (next chaubisi / next utsarpini) he will be born as a Tirthankar.
Different Jain texts give slightly different details (number of Tirthankar in that future chaubisi, name etc.), but the common Jain idea is: Krishna is a great Vasudev now, and will become a Tirthankar in a future cycle, not in the present one.
- General rule: how any soul becomes a Tirthankar in Jainism
Krishna’s case follows the same general Jain rule:
- First gets samyag‑darshan (right faith). - Then performs very high‑level Tirthankar‑karak bhav, like: - Extreme ahimsa and daya (non‑violence and compassion). - Very pure daan (charity) and seva of true sadhus. - Helping many souls towards dharma and moksh‑marg. - In a very intense, pure state of mind, the jiva binds Tirthankar‑naam‑karma, - Which fructifies in some later birth as a Tirthankar.
So, in simple words: In Jainism, Krishna is not a Tirthankar now. Because of his special punya, devotion to Neminath and service to sadhus, he is said to have bound Tirthankar‑naam‑karma and will become a Tirthankar in a future time‑cycle.
