Who are chakravarthy

In Jainism, “Chakravarthy” (more correctly: Chakravarti/Chakravartin) are universal emperors among the 63 Shalaka Purushas. They are ideal worldly rulers who righteously conquer and govern the six continents (of the middle world) and are endowed with special “ratna” (jewels), the foremost being the divine discus (chakra). There are always 12 Chakravartins in every half-cycle of time.

Essentials

• Role: Perfect worldly monarchs who rule with dharma and great restraint, upholding ahimsa.
• Number: 12 appear in each Avasarpini and 12 in each Utsarpini.
• Emblems/attainments: Possession of the chakra and other royal “jewels” and treasures; vast armies; extraordinary virtues.
• Spiritual place: Highly revered for ideal kingship; some later renounce and progress spiritually.

The 12 Chakravartins (current Avasarpini)

• Bharata (son of Rishabhdev/Adinath)
• Sagara
• Maghava (also written Meghavan)
• Sanatkumara
• Shantinath
• Kunthunath
• Aranath
• Subhauma
• Padmanabha
• Harishena
• Jayasena
• Brahmadatta

Notes on traditions

• Both Digambar and Shwetambar accept the concept and number (12).
• Name spellings can vary slightly (e.g., Maghava/Meghavan; Subhuma/Subhauma; Padmanabha).
• All agree that Shantinath, Kunthunath, and Aranath were Chakravartins before becoming Tirthankaras.

For a simple overview of the 63 Shalaka Purushas (including the 12 Chakravartins), see: For a brief definition of Chakravarti in Jainism, see: