Stabhan parshwanat detailed story

Certainly! In Jainism, Stabhan Parshwanath refers to an important episode in the life of Lord Parshwanath, the 23rd Tirthankara. Here is the detailed story:

Background

Lord Parshwanath was born in Varanasi to King Ashvasen and Queen Vama Devi. He is revered for his compassion and non-violence. One of the most famous incidents associated with his life is the Stabhan episode, which highlights his supreme spiritual power and compassion.

The Story of Stabhan

Once, during his journey as a wandering ascetic, Parshwanath arrived at a place where a large crowd had gathered. There, he saw a group of ascetics performing a fire ritual (yajna). One of these ascetics was Kamath, who was Parshwanath’s elder brother in a previous life and still bore animosity towards him.

As the ritual proceeded, Parshwanath noticed that a couple of snakes were trapped inside some burning logs that were about to be thrown into the fire. Moved by compassion, Parshwanath used his divine vision (avadhi jnana) and miraculous powers to intervene. With his spiritual prowess, he performed Stabhan, a Jain term meaning 'pacification' or 'calming'. He stopped the fire from consuming the logs, thus saving the lives of the snakes.

After being released, the snakes—who were actually Dharnendra (the serpent deity) and his consort Padmavati in their previous births—were deeply grateful to Parshwanath. They remembered his compassion in their future lives and became his devoted protectors.

The Significance

• Stabhan demonstrates the power of non-violence (ahimsa) and compassion, which are the core principles of Jainism.
• The episode also establishes the origin of the worship of Dharnendra and Padmavati as attendant deities (yaksha and yakshi) of Lord Parshwanath.
• Later, during Parshwanath’s meditation, Kamath (reborn as Meghmali, a demon) tried to disturb him by sending storms and rain, but Dharnendra and Padmavati rose from the earth as snakes and protected him with their hoods.

Moral of the Story

The Stabhan episode teaches us:

• The importance of compassion for all living beings, regardless of their form.
• The power of purity, non-violence, and spiritual conduct.
• That the fruits of compassion and good deeds are returned manifold.

This episode is often depicted in Jain temples and artwork, showing Parshwanath in meditation, protected by the serpent hoods of Dharnendra and Padmavati.

References:

• Jain Agamas (Svetambara and Digambara traditions)
• "Parshwanath Bhagwan ni Vanchitra Katha" (Various Jain storybooks)
• "Jainism: The World of Conquerors" by Natubhai Shah

If you wish to know more about Parshwanath’s life or other events, feel free to ask!