Who was Parshvanatha and why is he important in Jain history?

Parshvanatha was the 23rd Tirthankara (savior) of the current age in Jainism. He holds significant historical importance as the first Tirthankara for whom there is actual historical evidence, though his life remains deeply connected to legend.1

He is believed to have lived approximately 250 years before Mahavira, the final Tirthankara. Parshvanatha is credited with establishing the "fourfold restraint," consisting of vows against taking life, stealing, lying, and owning property. These principles were later expanded by Mahavira, who added the vow of celibacy to form the five "mahavratas" (great vows) followed by Jain ascetics today.1

In iconography, Parshvanatha is distinctively identified by a canopy of snake hoods over his head, reflecting legends of his protection by the serpent king Dharana. While his early followers initially permitted the wearing of garments, they eventually reconciled their practices with the reforms introduced by Mahavira.1