Shantinatha

Shantinatha — “Lord of Peace” — holds an unusual triple distinction in Jain tradition: he was a Tirthankara, a Chakravartin (universal monarch), and a Kāmadeva (a paragon of beauty/charisma) before renouncing the world.

Born in Hastinapur to King Vishvasena and Queen Achira, his birth is said to have ended a great pestilence (śānti = peace, calm) — hence the name. As Chakravartin, he ruled vast territories with unusual restraint and justice; as Kāmadeva, he was without equal in physical form. As Tirthankara, he relinquished all of this.

His decision to renounce universal kingship is often cited as the canonical example of aparigraha (non-attachment) at the highest level. To turn away from the position of the Chakravartin — when most beings would consider it the apex of worldly attainment — is to demonstrate, in the most visible way possible, that no external achievement satisfies the soul.

He attained mokṣa at Mt. Sammed Shikhar.