Rishabha

Rishabha Biography

Rishabha is the traditional founder of Jainism. He is also known by the names – Adinatha, Adishvara and Adeshvara. Rishabha dev was born to King Nabhi Raja and Queen Marudevi at Ayodhya in the Ikshvaku clan, long before civilizations came to existence, as per Jain beliefs. So he is also known by the name – Adinath. His eldest son – Bharat was also a prominent emperor and regarded as the First emperor as per old texts. Rishabha became a Siddha, a liberated soul and was the first of the twenty-four tirthankaras who established Jainism. He attained Kevala gyana at Palitana and moksha at Ashtapada mountain in Himalayas. There are many Rishabha temples across India, including North and South.

Rishabha dev was born to King Nabhi Raja and Marudevi at Vinittanagri, Ayodhya. Chaitra Krishna was his birth name and he was born in Ikshvaku clan. As per belief, he had 101 sons and he taught common people agriculture, tending of animals, poetry, painting, sculpture and cooking. His eldest son – Bharat is the first Chakravorthy (emperor), and India derived the name ‘Bharat’ from him. His second son was Bahubali, who is also a prominent person and his statue stands in Shravanabelagola, Karnataka and Karkala. Rishabha got enlighten at the place called Purimtal and it is dated to Falgun Krishna Paksha 11. He attained nirvana on Ashtapad Mount, dated  Magh Krishna Paksha 13.

He had 84 disciples in total of whom the most prominent one was Pundarik. Hindu scriptures have also mentioned about him and often regarded as manifestation of the god Shiva and stated that it is the eighth incarnation. He introduced a total of 72 sciences which includes arithmetic, singing, dancing and the art of lovemaking.

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Updated: July 21, 2014