Here is the simple, traditional account accepted in Jain Dharma.

Who is Padma Prabhu (Padmaprabha) Bhagwan

• He is the 6th Tirthankar of the present avasarpini.
• His lanchhan (emblem) is the red lotus, and his tejas (radiance) is described like a lotus—hence the name “Padma‑prabha” (lotus‑lustre).
• Janmabhoomi: Kaushambi. Parents: King Shridhar/Dharan(a) and Queen Susima. In Śvetāmbara texts the father’s name is often written “Dhara,” in Digambara “Dharana.”
• Diksha to Keval‑jnan came very soon—after about six months of asceticism—showing his extraordinarily ripe spiritual state.
• Moksha: Sammed Shikhar.

What was unique about him

• Red‑lotus identity: Both his name and emblem are the red lotus; his mother’s auspicious lotus‑desire is linked to this, and scriptures remember his gentle, lotus‑like radiance.
• Swift perfection: He attained Keval‑jnan quickly after diksha, which is highlighted in his charitra as a mark of very high puruṣārtha and already‑purified karmas.
• Vairāgya‑prerak deshnā: Traditional kathā remembers his first samavasaran deshnā as powerfully awakening detachment by explaining the sufferings of the four gatis (chatur‑gati‑dukh), turning many beings toward the path of liberation.
• Sect-noted details: Śvetāmbara accounts commonly mention marriage and kingship before renunciation; Digambara tradition generally does not ascribe household rulership to Tirthankars prior to diksha. Dates of kalyānaks are also noted slightly differently by the two traditions, but the essence above remains the same.

Why he became a Tirthankar (the karmic cause)

• In the immediately previous human birth he is remembered as King Aparajit in Purvavideh. Hearing an Arihant’s discourse, he accepted diksha, performed severe tapas, scriptural study, compassion to all living beings, and unwavering nishkām sevā (intent only for universal welfare).
• Because of this supreme conduct and one‑pointed vow for the uplift of all souls, he bound the Tirthankar‑nāma‑gotra‑karma. When that karma fructified, he took birth as Padmaprabha and, after Keval‑jnan, established the tirth (four‑fold saṅgh) and guided countless beings to the right path.

If you wish to read brief, simple narrations in the same spirit:

• Short life-story of the 6th Tirthankar Padmaprabhu on JainKnowledge:
• What is a Tirthankar and how Tirthankar‑nāma‑karma works (easy explainer):
• Sammed Shikhar (listing Padmaprabhu Bhagwan’s nirvāṇa among the tonks):