Born in Hastinapur to King Sudarshan and Queen Mitradevi, Arahnath was named after the auspicious dream of a gem-studded wheel (Arah) seen by his mother. In a previous birth, he was King Dhanpati of Sushima in Mahavideha, who renounced worldly life and earned the karmic merit to become a Tirthankar. He attained dual status as both a Tirthankar and Chakravarti, conquering the six continents and ruling with wisdom and compassion.

After experiencing deep detachment, he took Diksha, practiced intense austerities, and attained Keval Gnan under a mango tree near Hastinapur. His teachings emphasized non-violence, detachment, and liberation, guiding followers toward Right Action, Right Thinking, and Right Conduct.

He attained Nirvana at Sammed Shikhar, and his symbol (laanchhan) is the Nandavarta