Lord Sambhavanath, the 3rd Tirthankar

Sambhavanath is the third Jain tirthankara of the present avasarpini time cycle. His complexion is golden and symbol is horse. His chaitya tree under which he got omniscience is prayala.

 Sambhavanath was born in a Rajput family in Shravasti. His parents were King Jitari and queen Susena. He was born on the 14th day near full moon in the month of agrahayan when moon was in mrigashira constellation. His father, the king was distressed because of plague and famine which ravaged his dominion extensively. While he was in the embryo, situation started improving. The paddy fields were full of growing crops. When the king came to know about the child birth, he had the feeling that there was a chance (sambhava) of better time ahead, hence, his father decided the name of his son to be Sambhava. Sambhava got married and soon after became the king. During his period, the kingdom was free from calamities, diseases and people lived a healthy normal life. 

As Sambhavanath was growing old, he started realizing that worldly activities give only momentous pleasure. But to know the truth one needs to travel as an ascetic and eternal knowledge can be attained only after meditation and penance. After leaving the palace, Sambhava wandered as a mendicant for fourteen years in many villages, towns and forests. He attained omniscience in the month of Kartika, on the fifth day of the dark fortnight when moon was in mrigashira constellation. His emblem was horse and his complexion was golden. After omniscience, Sambhavanath could convince and persuade laymen to join his sangha and become ascetics. He attained nirvana at Sammed shikhar accompanied by many of his followers.

The Sasandev of Tirthankar Sambhavnath was a Yaksa-chief, named Trimukha. The Sasandevi was named Duritari.  The messenger deities, Trimukha and Duritari, were always near the Lord, like a body guard.

The main temples of Sambhavanath are at Ranthambore, Madhuban and few other places.

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