Rushabhdev Swami Ane Bhagwan Nemnath - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Rushabhdev Swami Ane Bhagwan Nemnath" based on the provided pages:

This book, published by Labdhisurishwar Jain Granthmala, is part of the "Baljeevan Granthavali" (Childhood Life Series) and focuses on the lives of the first and twenty-third Tirthankaras of Jainism, Bhagwan Rishabhdev (also known as Adinath) and Bhagwan Neminath. The aim is to provide Jain literature for children and a wider audience, offering moral and spiritual guidance.

Part 1: Bhagwan Rishabhdev Swami (Pages 6-17)

The book begins by introducing Bhagwan Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara.

Early Life and the Era of Yugaliya: Rishabhdev was born to Marudevi Mata and King Nabhi Kulkar. The era was known as the time of "Yugaliya," characterized by immense happiness, abundance provided by Kalpavruksha (wish-fulfilling trees), and a lack of conflict. People lived in great comfort and joy.
Rishabhdev's Existence: He was born with three types of knowledge (Mati, Shruta, and Avadhijñāna), possessed a divine radiance, and was worshipped even by celestial beings. His physical stature was immense (500 Dhanushya) and his lifespan was 84 lakh Purva (an extremely long period).
Establishing Civilization: As the Kalpavruksha trees began to diminish, people faced hardships. Rishabhdev, even in his princely life, guided them through these challenges. He taught them agriculture, cooking (fire), pottery, and other essential skills, earning him the title of an "upkarak" (benefactor) rather than a reformer.
Kingship and Renunciation: When the need for a ruler arose, Rishabhdev was crowned the first king of Vinitanagari. He ruled for 84 lakh Purva, dispensing charity extensively. At the appropriate time, he renounced worldly life, accepted monkhood, and was graced with Kevala Jnana (omniscience).
Teaching Dharma: Rishabhdev is credited with establishing the true path of Dharma on Earth, saving countless souls from the cycle of birth and death, and illuminating the path of knowledge. He taught the concept of time cycles (Utsarpini and Avsarpini) and explained the decline in human lifespan and qualities during the Avsarpini period.
Key Events: The text highlights his marriage to Sunanda and Sumangala, the birth of his sons Bharat and Bahubali, and the fact that Bharat became the first Chakravarti (Emperor). It also mentions that Marudevi Mata achieved liberation in the same life.
Liberation: Bhagwan Rishabhdev attained Moksha (liberation) at Ashtapad Tirth with 10,000 monks. His son, Pundarik Swami, also attained Moksha with 5 crore monks at Shatrunjay Tirth.

Part 2: Bhagwan Neminath (Pages 22-49)

The book then transitions to the life of Bhagwan Neminath, the twenty-second Tirthankara.

Historical Context and Dwarka: The text places Bhagwan Neminath's life in historical context, referencing the ancient city of Dwarka (also known as Dwaramati) in Kathiawad, Gujarat. It emphasizes the continuous flow of time and the evolution of places and names.
Connection to Krishna: Bhagwan Neminath is depicted as a cousin of Lord Krishna. His parents were King Samudravijaya and Queen Shivadevi. The narrative touches upon the political climate of Mathura and Sairipur, the tyranny of King Kansa, and Krishna's rise to power and establishment of Dwarka after fleeing from Jarasandha.
Birth and Early Life: Neminath was born in Sauripura, Gujarat, to Queen Shivadevi. He lived for 32 Sagaropama (an incredibly long lifespan) and was cherished by his family, including his uncle Krishna. He was born with Avadhijñāna, demonstrating his inherent spiritual nature.
Character and Philosophy: Neminath was known for his profound calmness, lack of pride, and resistance to dependency. He aimed to liberate souls from the bondage of karma, which he saw as the root cause of all worldly suffering and dependence.
The Wedding Incident: A significant event highlighted is Neminath's almost-wedding. On his way to his wedding, he encountered animals being prepared for sacrifice. Moved by their cries and the inherent violence of the act, he questioned the purpose of such a life and a wedding that caused such suffering. This realization led him to question the essence of worldly attachments.
Renunciation and Dilemma: Despite the preparations and the desires of his family, Neminath felt compelled to renounce the world. He faced the internal conflict between worldly attachments and the call of spiritual liberation. His uncle Krishna's assurances that he would not claim the kingdom did not deter Neminath's spiritual pursuit.
The Pact with Rajimati: It is implied that Neminath's visit to the wedding venue was to remind Rajimati, his intended bride, of their past nine lifetimes of connection and to invite her to the path of liberation.
The Choice of Renunciation: Neminath, unmoved by family pressure, chose the path of renunciation, prioritizing spiritual liberation over worldly pursuits. He is presented as a role model for prioritizing one's spiritual journey even against parental desires, emphasizing that true welfare lies in spiritual progress.
Asceticism and Kevala Jnana: After his renunciation, Neminath practiced severe asceticism for 54 days, culminating in the attainment of Kevala Jnana under an Ashoka tree in the Raivatak garden. This event was celebrated by the gods with a Samavasarana (divine assembly).
Discourse and Teachings: Bhagwan Neminath delivered sermons in the Malakosh raga, emphasizing concepts like the rarity of human birth, the importance of Dharma, knowledge, compassion, and liberation. He guided beings toward the path of the three jewels (Samyak Darshan, Samyak Jnana, Samyak Charitra).
Monastic Community and Liberation: He established a large monastic order, with 18,000 monks, 44,000 nuns, and a significant number of lay followers. After living as a spiritual guide for approximately seven hundred years, Bhagwan Neminath attained Moksha at the Girnar mountain, a significant Jain pilgrimage site. His wife, Rajimati, also became a nun and achieved liberation.

The book concludes with details about the five Kalyanaka (auspicious events) of Bhagwan Rishabhdev and offers devotional hymns (Stavan) dedicated to him. It also lists other publications from the Labdhisurishwar Jain Granthmala, highlighting their focus on Jain education and literature. The Pune Jain Tatvajnan Vidyapeeth's examination syllabus is also included, indicating the educational purpose of these publications.