Shree Rishabhdev Bhagwan – Our First Tirthankara and the Founder of Civilization

Shree Rishabhdev Bhagwan, also revered as Adinath (“The First Lord”), is the first Tirthankara of the current time cycle (Avasarpini) in Jain cosmology. His life marks the beginning of human civilization, ethical living, and spiritual awakening.

He is remembered not only as the first spiritual teacher (Tirthankar) but also as the first king and the first renunciant, a guiding light in an age of darkness. His symbol, the bull (Vrishabh), represents patience, strength, and the eternal presence of dharma.

Shri Adinath Bhagwan: A Divine Journey

According to Jain tradition, the lives of Tirthankaras extend across multiple births.  Rishabhdev Bhagwan’s soul journeyed through several significant lives before becoming the first Tirthankar of this time cycle:

• 1. As King Vajrajangha: A virtuous ruler who upheld dharma, practiced generosity, and laid the foundation for spiritual progress.
• 2. As a Deva in Sarvarthasiddhi Heaven: Reborn as a celestial being due to accumulated good karma, he prepared for his final birth.
• 3. As Rishabhdev (Adinath): Born in Ayodhya to King Nabhi Raja and Queen Marudevi, he fulfilled his ultimate destiny as the first Tirthankar, teaching both the ways of civilization and the path to liberation.

Marriage and Family Life

Before renunciation, Rishabhdev Bhagwan lived an exemplary grihastha (householder’s) life, showing society how to balance worldly duties with righteousness.

• His first wife, Queen Sumangala, was the mother of 99 sons and one daughter, Sundari.
• His second wife, Queen Sunanda, gave birth to Bharata (later the first Chakravarti, after whom India is called Bharata-varsha) and Bahubali, who became a symbol of spiritual victory and detachment.

Both queens played crucial roles in upholding dharma and setting an ideal example of family life.

Beliefs and Teachings

Rishabhdev Bhagwan laid the foundation for Jain dharma as we know it today. His core teachings included:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence) – Respect for all living beings.
• Satya (Truthfulness) – Living honestly in thought, word, and deed.
• Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness) – Detachment from material wealth.
• Tapasya (Austerity) – Spiritual discipline and self-control.

He also established the division of society into Shramans (ascetics) and Shravaks (householders), a structure that continues in Jainism even today.

Unknown & Fascinating Facts about Rishabhdev Bhagwan

• First King & Lawgiver: He introduced laws, ethics, and governance, shaping human civilization.
  

• Inventor of Professions: Divided society into six main occupations (agriculture, trade, etc.) for sustenance.
  

• First Renunciant: Initiated the practice of renunciation by becoming the first monk.
  

• A Year-long Fast: After renunciation, he accepted food only after one year, when Shreyans Kumar offered him sugarcane juice.
  

• Mother Marudevi’s Liberation: Queen Marudevi was the first soul of this era to attain moksha, while witnessing her son’s spiritual glory.
  

• Moksha at Ashtapad (Mount Kailash): He attained liberation at the sacred Ashtapad mountain, a place deeply revered in Jainism.
  

• Mentioned Beyond Jainism: Even Hindu texts like the Bhagavata Purana refer to him as an incarnation of Dharma.
  

Renunciation and Moksha

After completing all worldly duties, Rishabhdev renounced his kingdom and took diksha (initiation into monkhood). His renunciation was so inspiring that many of his sons and followers also became ascetics.

He practiced deep austerities, attained Keval Jnana (absolute knowledge), and finally achieved moksha at Mount Ashtapad, becoming a Siddha — a liberated soul free from the cycle of birth and death.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How many births did Rishabhdev Bhagwan take before becoming a Tirthankar?
👉 He is said to have taken 11 births in total before attaining moksha.

Q2. What is the symbol (laanchhan) of Rishabhdev Bhagwan?
👉 His symbol is the bull (Vrishabh).

Q3. Where did Rishabhdev Bhagwan attain Moksha?
👉 At the sacred Mount Ashtapad (Kailash).

Essence

Shree Rishabhdev Bhagwan stands at the dawn of human civilization and spiritual awakening. As the first king, first teacher, and first monk, his life continues to inspire humanity to live with values, balance, and discipline.