Neminatha Bhagwana

This document, "Bhagwan Neminatha," from the JAINA Education Committee, details the life and teachings of Neminatha Bhagwan, the 22nd Tirthankara in Jainism.

Early Life and Family: Neminatha, also known as Arishtanemi, was born a prince in the Yadava dynasty in Mathura. His father was King Samudravijaya and his mother was Queen Shivadevi. During her pregnancy, Shivadevi saw the rim (nem) of a black diamond wheel (arishta), hence the name Arishtanemi. Mathura was ruled by King Vasudev, the younger brother of Samudravijaya. Vasudev's wives Rohini and Devaki gave birth to Balarama and Shri Krishna respectively. According to Jain tradition, Balarama and Shri Krishna are considered the 9th Baldeva and Vasudeva, while Hindu tradition considers Shri Krishna an avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Societal Context: The era was marked by prevalent practices like hunting and gambling. Animal sacrifices were common in the name of religion, and people consumed meat. Central India was divided into warring kingdoms, with King Kamsa and King Jarāsandha of Magadha described as particularly cruel and wicked. Jain tradition identifies Jarāsandha as a Prativāsudeva. To escape the tyranny of these rulers, King Samudravijaya, King Vasudev, King Ugrasena, Shri Krishna, and Balarama migrated to the western coast of Gujarat. Shri Krishna founded the beautiful city of Dwarka near the Raivataka (Girnar) mountain, renowned for its magnificent architecture.

Neminatha's Renunciation: King Ugrasena ruled in Junagadh, near Girnar. His daughter was the beautiful princess Rajimati (also known as Rajul). Prince Nemkumar, impressed by Rajumati's virtues, agreed to marry her. Ugrasena prepared for a grand wedding. As Nemkumar's wedding procession proceeded, he saw animals caged and crying. Upon inquiring, he learned they were destined for the wedding feast. This sight made him contemplate the inherent violence and suffering in the world and question if there wasn't a path of peace and safety for all beings. He realized that after marriage and immersion in worldly life, it would be harder to renounce it. Therefore, he decided that this was the opportune moment to embark on the path of truth and well-being for himself and others. He chose not to marry.

Despite the surprise and attempts by his relatives and friends to dissuade him, Nemkumar calmly explained his intention to liberate all beings from suffering. He likened humans, bound by their karma, to the caged animals and declared that true happiness lies in liberation from bondage. He wished to cut the bonds of karma to attain supreme bliss and asked to be left undisturbed, instructing his charioteer to turn back the chariot.

Achieving Kevalajnana and Becoming a Tirthankara: After returning to his kingdom, Nemkumar spent a year helping the poor and needy. He then renounced his royal palace and resided in the Raivat Garden. As an ascetic, he meditated and contemplated true happiness. He realized that ignorance leads to suffering and wrong actions. After 54 days of deep spiritual meditation on Girnar mountain, Neminatha destroyed his karmas that veiled his soul's true nature and infinite potential. He attained Kevalajnana (omniscience) and became the 22nd Tirthankara. He then established the fourfold religious order and spent the remainder of his long life preaching the path to liberation to the general populace.

Rajimati's Spiritual Path: When Neminatha decided to renounce the material world, Rajimati's friends mocked her, while she eagerly awaited his arrival as a bridegroom. Upon learning of Nemkumar's return without the wedding, no one understood his decision. Rajimati was deeply saddened. While her friends tried to console her, some cursed Nemkumar. Others tried to convince Rajimati that Nemkumar wasn't suitable for her and that they would find a better groom. However, Rajimati had already accepted Nemkumar as her husband in her heart and could not bear to hear anything against him. Rajimati, also possessing a spiritual nature, understood Nemkumar's true reason for returning. She overcame her sadness and decided to embrace his noble cause. Rajimati began to spend her time in spiritual activities, following in Nemkumar's footsteps. Upon learning that Neminatha had attained Kevalajnana, she went to his assembly (Samavasarana) with her friends and took diksha (initiation). She spent the rest of her life as a nun, engaged in meditation and spiritual practice. Ultimately, she attained liberation by shedding all her karma.

The life of Bhagwan Neminatha is presented as an excellent example of compassion towards animals. Understanding the suffering caused by animal sacrifice and the unbearable pain inflicted, his desire for ultimate cessation from suffering, i.e., moksha (liberation), became strong. The noble princess Rajimati also joyfully followed Nemkumar's path of truth and liberation.