UPPCS Mains 2016

Historical Tirthankaras

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Parshvanatha, the Jain 'Thirthankara' was associated mainly with which of the following places?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Parshvanatha is historically recognized as the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism, living approximately 250 years before Mahavira.

Explanation He was the son of King Ashvasena of Varanasi. He renounced the world at age 30 and achieved enlightenment on Mount Sammeta (Sammed Shikhar). His symbol is the snake.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option A is correct. Varanasi is the birthplace of Parshvanatha and remains a major center of Jain pilgrimage.
Logic 2: While other places like Kaushambi (B) and Champa (D) are associated with other Tirthankaras, Varanasi is the primary historical association for the 23rd.

Active Recall

Question

What was Parshvanatha's main teaching?

Answer

He taught the 'Chaturyama Dharma' consisting of four vows: Non-violence, Truth, Non-stealing, and Non-possession.

Core Insight

Parshvanatha's historicity is widely accepted by scholars, making him one of the earliest verifiable spiritual teachers of ancient India.