Lord Parshvanatha is the 23rd Tirthankara in Jainism, a religion that emphasizes non-violence and truth. He is believed to have lived around the 9th century BCE and is revered for his teachings on renunciation and meditation. Parshvanatha is often depicted with a serpent hood, symbolizing protection and spiritual awakening. His teachings focus on the four main vows of Jainism: non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, and celibacy. Jain monks and followers regard him as a significant figure who laid the groundwork for the later teachings of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, who further developed these principles.