Rugved Tatha Tirthankar Rushabhdev

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The book "Rugved tatha Tirthankar Rushabhdev" by Prahlad N Vajpai explores the profound connection between the Rigveda and the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhdev, establishing him as a pivotal figure in human civilization.

Rishabhdev as the Progenitor of Civilization: Rishabhdev is presented as the first human king who initiated the foundation of villages and cities, marking the transition from forest dwelling to settled life. Under his rule, people began constructing homes. He organized the state by collecting resources like cows, horses, and elephants, established a cabinet, and created a chaturangini (four-division) army with appointed generals. He implemented the principles of Sama, Dama, Danda, and Bheda (conciliation, giving, punishment, and dissension) in governance. Rishabhdev also initiated marriage customs, established agriculture to solve food shortages, promoted various crafts, and provided vocational training. In essence, he laid the foundation for a civilization that aimed to bring happiness to all beings.

Rishabhdev's Spiritual Path and the Founding of Jainism: In the latter part of his life, Rishabhdev renounced his kingdom and became an ascetic (Shramana). After years of rigorous spiritual practice, he attained Kevalya (omniscience). He then founded the four pillars of Jainism: Shramana (monks), Shramani (nuns), Shravaka (male lay followers), and Shravika (female lay followers). He preached the five great vows (Mahavratas) for ascetics and the twelve vows for lay followers. During this period, Rishabhdev was the first emperor, the first omniscient being, and the very first Tirthankara.

The Rigveda's Affirmation of Rishabhdev: The text emphasizes that the Rigveda, the world's most ancient text, contains a mantra praising Tirthankara Rishabhdev. A Vedic sage, filled with emotion, invokes Rishabhdev, seeking refuge in him for ultimate happiness due to the power of his teachings and words. Rishabhdev is recognized as the first proponent of pre-existing knowledge among all humans and gods.

The Rigveda describes Rishabhdev as the exponent of ancient knowledge and the destroyer of sorrows. It uses the analogy of a rain-filled cloud being the primary source of water that quenches the earth's thirst. Similarly, Rishabhdev, as the exponent of traditional ancient knowledge, is depicted as bestowing boons through his rule. His knowledge, derived from the lineage of Rishis, is described as destructive to internal enemies like anger. The text highlights that both worldly and liberated souls shine through their own inherent qualities, making them kings, repositories of complete knowledge, and those who prevent spiritual downfall.

Connection to Jain Philosophy and Concepts: The passage strongly links Rishabhdev's teachings to core Jain principles. The Rigvedic description of a being with four horns (infinite perception, infinite knowledge, infinite happiness, and infinite strength), three feet, two heads, and seven hands, bound in three ways, roaring, and inhabiting mortals as "Mahadeva" is interpreted as the Jain concept of "The soul is the Supreme Soul" (Appa so Paramappa). This embodies the state of omniscience and attributes like infinite knowledge and conduct. Rishabhdev's declaration that "Mahadeva (the Supreme Soul) resides in mortals" reinforces the idea of the divine within every soul.

Rishabhdev's arduous penance is presented as a testament to the possibility of achieving spiritual advancement, transforming from a great soul to the Supreme Soul. The Rigveda's mention of Rishabh as the "first man" who offered immortality in a mortal state aligns with this.

Rishabhdev's Message of Friendship and the Origin of Shivaratri: Rishabhdev preached a message of friendship towards all beings, earning him the title of a devoted practitioner of pure love. The text narrates an event where the disciples of Mudgala Rishi's charioteer, Keshivrishabha, who were associated with "Aridaman" (enemy destroyer), were pacified by Rishabhdev's message of goodwill. This led to the cows of Mudgala Rishi, which were previously being pulled by formidable chariots, becoming calm. The date of Rishabhdev's attainment of liberation (Shivagati) is also identified as the day when this event occurred, leading to the observance of Shivaratri, marked by fasting during the day and vigil and worship at night.

Rishabhdev as "Mahadeva" and "Rudra": The Rigveda repeatedly praises Rishabhdev as "Mahadeva". He is lauded as the first to achieve immortality and as an ascetic who practiced non-violence. He is also described as a sweet-spoken, praiseworthy, and worshipful figure. The text notes that the Rigveda's "Rudra Sukta" contains a verse where "Vrushabha" (bull, a name associated with Rishabhdev) is invoked to ensure protection from destruction. The final praise mentions "Vrushabha" five times, and "Rudra" is addressed with the title "Arhat", which is intrinsically linked to Rishabhdev and his universally recognized "Arhat Dharma."

Equivalence with Shiva: The text draws a strong parallel between Rishabhdev and the Hindu deity Shiva. Many epithets attributed to Shiva in various Upanishads and Puranas, such as Shiva, Shivatar, Shankar, Ish, Maheshwar, Shanmu, Tribank, Hara, Vrishabhadhvaja, Bhava, Parmeshwar, Trinetra, Vrushank, Natraj, Jatadhari, Kapardhari, Digvastra, Yati, Atmasanyami, Brahmachari, and Urdhvareta, are seen as fitting descriptions of Tirthankara Rishabhdev. The Shiv Purana and Prabhas Purana are cited as mentioning Shiva's avatar as the first Tirthankara Rishabhdev. The immense similarities in their attributes, qualities, penance, knowledge, and consciousness suggest a single, unified personality known by different names due to varying perceptions.

Shared Symbolism and Influence: The text further elaborates on shared symbolism:

• Dwelling: Shiva resides in Kailash, and Rishabhdev's penance and liberation also took place on Mount Kailash.
• Overcoming Obstacles: Just as Shiva destroyed Kamadeva to marry Parvati, Rishabhdev conquered Moha (delusion) to marry Shiva Devi (liberation).
• Followers: Shiva's followers are called Ganas, led by Ganesh. Similarly, Rishabhdev's followers are called Munis, and their leaders are Ganasdhipas or Gandharas. Bharat's son, Vrushabhasena, is mentioned as Rishabhdev's chief Gandhara.
• Knowledge and Language: Panini's grammatical rules are attributed to Maheshwar (Shiva). Jain tradition considers Rishabhdev as Maheshwar, who imparted knowledge of the Brahmi script to his daughter, Brahmi.
• Vehicles and Symbols: Shiva's vehicle is the bull, and Rishabhdev's symbol is also the bull. Shiva carries a trident, which in Jainism symbolizes the Ratnatraya (three jewels: right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct).
• Incarnation and Mantra: The Bhagavat Purana considers Rishabhdev an avatar of Vishnu. The Gayatri mantra is also said to praise Rishabhdev. The Atharvaveda praises Rishabhdev as a knowledgeable fire-like being for attaining ultimate prosperity.

Rishabhdev's Universal Influence and Names: Rishabhdev's influence extends beyond India. He is mentioned in Chinese Tripitakas and referred to as "Rokshab" in Japan. In Central Asia, Egypt, and Greece, he was known as "Reshef", meaning "horned deity," a derivative of Rishabh. The text highlights that the practice of taking an oath by Kesariya Nath signifies the unwavering commitment of the indigenous tribes. The legend of the establishment of the Babylo-Mesopotamian culture and civilization suggests a divine connection, with the deity Vrishabha worshipped as the god of heaven and earth. The Elamite Hittite people also worshipped "Ritu Dev" (god of seasons) whose vehicle was a bull called "Teshuv," which is seen as a corruption of "Tirthankar Rishabh."

Rishabhdev as the Architect of Humanity: The text concludes by reaffirming Rishabhdev as the architect of human civilization. His name "Keshya" or "Keshariya Ji" is associated with the famous Kesarinya Nath pilgrimage site. The Rigveda mentions Keshin as the one who upholds fire, water, heaven, and earth, reveals all elements of the universe, and is the shining flame of knowledge.

Concluding Spiritual Reflections: The latter part of the text offers spiritual reflections attributed to Jain Acharyas. It emphasizes that human birth, sensory completeness, and birth in an Aryan lineage are gifts of worship and devotion. It encourages gratitude and consistent practice of devotion to attain perfection. The importance of living a life that embodies spiritual ideals and striving towards goals set by wise individuals is highlighted. Cherishing the Navkar Mantra is presented as a means to progress and reach one's destination. Finally, the principle of non-accumulation beyond necessity is advocated for achieving peace.