Bhagwan Rishabhdev

This book, "Bhagwan Rishabhdev," published by Mahavir Seva Trust, is a comprehensive biography of the first Tirthankar (spiritual teacher) in Jainism, Bhagwan Rishabhdev, also known as Adinath. The narrative is based on ancient Jain texts like Adi Puran and Trishashti Shalaka Purush.

The book details Rishabhdev's life, highlighting his significance as the first king, the first ascetic, and the originator of various human endeavors. It explains that Rishabhdev was not only a spiritual leader but also a social reformer who introduced agriculture, trade, art, sculpture, politics, and governance to humanity. His eldest son, Bharat, became the first Chakravarti Samrat, and the country was named Bharatvarsh after him.

The story begins in a prehistoric era when people lived simply, their needs met by the divine Kalpavruksha. As the population grew and desires increased, leading to conflict, Nabhi Rai was chosen as their chief. His queen, Marudevi, dreamt of 14 auspicious signs, foretelling the birth of a divine son. This son was Rishabh, named so due to a mark of an ox on his chest.

The book describes Rishabh's upbringing, his marriage to Sunanda and Sumangala, and his role in establishing the institution of marriage. He trained people in various skills and fathered numerous children, including the famous Bharat and Bahubali, and daughters Brahmi and Sundari.

As societal order deteriorated, Rishabh was appointed king. His coronation is depicted as a grand event. As king, Rishabh established the social structure by assigning duties to different groups, leading to the development of Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (traders), and Shudras (laborers).

Upon witnessing the fragility of life during a dancer's sudden demise, Rishabh decided to renounce worldly possessions and embrace monkhood. He became the first ascetic, plucking his hair under an Ashoka tree. He was sometimes known as Keshariyaji or Keshi due to a tuft of hair he left at the request of God Indra.

The book then narrates Rishabhdev's ascetic journey, including the challenges of obtaining pure food and the renunciation of his disciples. It details the story of Nami and Vinami, who sought kingdoms from Rishabhdev and were eventually guided by Dharanendra, the king of snakes, to establish their own kingdoms.

A significant event in Rishabhdev's life was breaking his year-long fast with sugarcane juice offered by Prince Shreyans Kumar in Hastinapur. This day is celebrated as Akshay Trutiya in Jain tradition.

The book also covers Rishabhdev's attainment of Kevalgyan (absolute knowledge) and his mother Marudevi's spiritual realization and salvation. Rishabhdev then delivered his first sermon, establishing the fourfold Jain community (monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen) and imparting teachings on renunciation and self-realization.

The narrative then shifts to the conflict between Bharat and Bahubali. After Bharat's conquest and establishment of his empire, he demanded submission from his brothers. Bahubali, along with his 98 brothers, sought guidance from Rishabhdev. Rishabhdev recounted a story about a foolish woodcutter to illustrate the futility of insatiable desire. This led most of his brothers to renounce their kingdoms and embrace monkhood.

The book culminates with the epic duel between Bharat and Bahubali, which was ultimately resolved through divine intervention and Bahubali's realization of his own pride. Bahubali then renounced his kingdom and became a monk, eventually attaining Kevalgyan. The story also highlights Bharat's remorse and his commitment to serve those practicing penance.

The book concludes with Rishabhdev's sermons on detachment and the nature of accumulation, emphasizing that true richness lies in having less. The story of the goldsmith illustrates Bharat's understanding of living in the world without being attached to it. Finally, Rishabhdev attained Moksha (liberation) at Ashtapad mountain, after thousands of years of teaching.

The latter part of the book delves into the philosophical aspects of Jainism, explaining the existence of the soul through reasoned arguments and analogies, and describing the soul as a self-sufficient, invisible entity of consciousness. It also touches upon the concept of the "Circle of World" and the transmigration of souls. The book concludes with a message of Maitri Bhavana (friendship) towards all living beings and information on subscribing to Diwakar Chitrakatha.