Bhagwan Neminath

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The book "Bhagwan Neminath," published by the JAINA Education Committee, recounts the life story of Lord Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankar of Jainism.

The narrative begins by establishing the historical context of the Yadava clan in ancient India, specifically their settlements in Mathura and Sauripura on the banks of the Yamuna River. Lord Neminath, originally known as Nemkumar, was born to King Samudravijay and Queen Shivadevi in Sauripura. His birth was accompanied by his mother's dream of black jewels, leading to his alternate name, Aristanemi. The text also mentions King Vasudev, Samudravijay's brother, and his famous sons, Balram and Shri Krishna, highlighting Shri Krishna's significance in both Jain and Hindu traditions.

The era is depicted as one where hunting was a popular sport, gambling was socially accepted, and animal sacrifices were part of religious practices, with a prevalent non-vegetarian diet. Central India was also troubled by political unrest and oppressive rulers like King Kamsa and Jarāsangha. To escape these disturbances, the Yadava clan, including Shri Krishna, migrated to Gujarat and established the magnificent city of Dvarka. Ugrasen, another Yadava king, ruled Junagadh, located near Mount Girnar.

The story then focuses on Nemkumar's impending marriage to Princess Rajul (also known as Rajimati), the beautiful daughter of King Ugrasen. Nemkumar reluctantly agreed to the engagement after persuasion from his family and friends. On his wedding day, as his procession approached its destination, Nemkumar was deeply distressed by the sounds of suffering animals and birds confined in cages. Upon learning they were being prepared for the wedding feast, he was filled with compassion and a profound desire to prevent such violence.

This realization led Nemkumar to question the very foundation of a life that caused suffering. He understood that marriage might further entangle him in worldly affairs, preventing him from pursuing a path of universal well-being. He concluded that the present moment was crucial for him to seek the truth that would bring happiness to all living beings. Consequently, he made the momentous decision to renounce his marriage.

Nemkumar calmly explained his decision to his bewildered relatives and friends, drawing a parallel between the caged animals and humans being prisoners of stronger "karmic" cages. He emphasized that true happiness lies in freedom from bondage and expressed his commitment to finding the path to break free from karma and achieve eternal bliss. He then instructed his charioteer to turn back.

Upon returning to his kingdom, Nemkumar dedicated a year to charitable acts before renouncing his royal life. He went to a nearby garden, shed his royal attire and ornaments under an Ashok tree, and became an ascetic, joined by a thousand followers. Shri Krishna, moved by his cousin's decision, blessed him.

Nemkumar meditated on Mount Girnar for fifty-four days, seeking the cause of suffering. He realized that ignorance of the Self led to flawed perceptions and actions, resulting in misery. Through deep meditation, he destroyed his "Ghati Karmas," attained Kevaljnan (omniscience), and became the 22nd Tirthankar. He then established the four-fold Jain religious order (the Chaturvidha Sangha or Tirtha) and preached the path of liberation.

Meanwhile, Princess Rajul, while being adorned for her wedding, was devastated by the news of Nemkumar's departure. Her friends tried to console her, with some criticizing Nemkumar and others advising her to move on. However, Rajul, who already had a spiritual inclination, came to understand the noble purpose behind Nemkumar's renunciation. She appreciated his mission and decided to follow his path. She dedicated her life to religious practices, and upon hearing of Neminath's attainment of omniscience, she took diksha (initiation) with many friends at his Samavasaran. She became the head of the nuns' order, ultimately attaining liberation after destroying all her karmas.

The book concludes by highlighting Bhagwan Neminath's life as an example of immense compassion towards animals and Princess Rajul's nobility in understanding and following his quest for truth and freedom.