Arnath Bhagwan Moksha (Nirvana) Kalyanak 2026: Where and how did Arnath attain moksha, and how do Jains observe his nirvana kalyanak?

Arnath Bhagwan, the 18th Tirthankara in Jain tradition, attained moksha (nirvana) at the sacred site of Sammed Shikhar, a prominent tirtha where many Tirthankaras have achieved liberation. His emblem is the nandyavarta, and he was born in Hastinapur. The Nirvana Kalyanak of Arnath is observed on the lunar date Magsar Sud 10, which falls on 19 December 2026 in the Gregorian calendar. On this day, Jains engage in special worship ceremonies, including pujas, recitation of scriptures, and meditation to honor Arnath's liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Devotees visit temples dedicated to Arnath or local derasars where his idol is enshrined, often marked by the nandyavarta symbol. The observance includes reflecting on the teachings of Arnath Bhagwan, performing pratikraman (repentance), and participating in community gatherings to reinforce spiritual discipline. This day is significant as it celebrates the ultimate spiritual achievement of a Tirthankara, inspiring Jains to pursue the path of dharma and self-realization. The date is fixed according to the Jain lunar calendar and may vary by a day depending on local panchang calculations in different sanghs across India.