Tirthankar 01 Rushabhdev Bhagwan Parichay

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tirthankar 01 Rushabhdev Bhagwan Parichay" by Muni Shri Dipratnasagarji:

Overview:

This book, "Tirthankar 01 Rushabhdev Bhagwan Parichay" (Introduction to Tirthankar 01 Rushabhdev), compiled by Muni Shri Dipratnasagarji, is a detailed biographical account of the first Tirthankar of the current era (Chovisi) in the Bharat Kshetra. The work meticulously presents information about Bhagwan Rushabhdev through 185 distinct points or "dwaras" (gates or topics). It draws upon a variety of ancient Jain scriptures and texts.

Key Information and Structure:

The book systematically covers the life and characteristics of Bhagwan Rushabhdev, from his pre-birth existence to his liberation. The 185 points are organized to provide a comprehensive understanding of his journey, including:

• Identity and Lineage:

  • His name: Rushabhdev, also known as Adinath and Adishwar.
  • His birth lineage: Ikshvaku dynasty.
  • His Gotra: Kashyap.
  • His Lanchhan (emblem): Vrishabh (Bull).
  • His parents: King Nabhi (Kulkar) and Queen Marudevi.

• Pre-Birth Existence and Karmic Dispositions:

  • The book details his thirteen previous lives, highlighting significant rebirths as celestial beings (Devas) and kings (like Vajranabh Chakravarti).
  • It explains the twenty sources (sthanakas) that led to the binding of his Tirthankar-nama karma, emphasizing virtues like compassion, veneration for the enlightened, the scriptures, elders, ascetics, continuous spiritual awareness, virtuous conduct, discipline, penance, generosity, and scriptural devotion.

• Birth and Early Life:

  • His birth occurred in the city of Ayodhya in Koshal Desh.
  • The auspicious time of his birth is detailed, including the specific Nakshatra (Uttaraṣāḍhā), Tithi (Chaitra Vad 8, Gujarati: Phagan Vad 8), and Rashi (Dhanu).
  • The epoch of his birth was at the end of the third era (Trei Ārā), with 8.4 million years, 3 years, and 8.5 months remaining.
  • His mother, Marudevi, had fourteen auspicious dreams before his conception, with the most significant being the bull (Vrishabh).
  • The auspicious events during his birth, including the arrival of Dikumaris (directional maidens) and 64 Indras, and the ceremonies they performed.
  • His height: 500 Dhanush (using Utsadāṅgula) and 120 Angula (using Ātmāṅgula and Pramāṇāṅgula).
  • His physical characteristics: Golden complexion, perfect physical marks (1008), strength equivalent to an infinite count (compared to Vasudev and Chakravarti).
  • He had a royal youth of 20 lakh years and a reign of 63 lakh years as a Mandalika King.

• Renunciation and Spiritual Attainment:

  • He renounced the world at the age of 8.4 million years, after a full year of introspection.
  • His initiation was marked by the arrival of Lokantika Devas from Brahmaloka to inform him of the auspicious time for renunciation.
  • He took initiation on Chaitra Vad 8 (Gujarati: Phagan Vad 8), under the Ashoka tree in Siddharth Van, with 4000 ascetics.
  • Upon initiation, he gained Manah-paryavagnyan (mind-reading knowledge).
  • His first alms (parana) were with sugarcane juice after one year (though sources vary).
  • He performed austerities like Ashtam Bhakta (fasting for 8 days).

• Spiritual Teachings and Accomplishments:

  • He remained in the state of Chhadmastha (having residual karmas obscuring omniscience) for 1000 years.
  • He attained Kevalgyan (omniscience) in the Purimatala garden, under the Vata-Vṛkṣa (Banyan tree), in Shakṭamukha Udyan.
  • The specific time for Kevalgyan was Fagan Vad 11 (Gujarati: Maha Vad 11), under the Uttaraṣāḍhā nakshatra and Dhanu rashi, in the first half of the day.
  • His Kevalgyan attainment was accompanied by 34 special powers (atishayas) and 35 virtues of his divine speech (Divya Dhwani).
  • He established the Jain Tirth (community) during his first sermon (samavasaran) and the Tirth continued until the time of Bhagwan Ajitnath.
  • His first Ganadhar (chief disciple) was Rishabhsena (Pundrik), the first Sadhvi was Brahmī, the first Shravak was Shreyans, and the first Shravika was Subhadra.
  • His main devotee was Bharat Chakravarti.
  • The associated Yaksha was Gomukh, and the Yakshini was Chakreshwari.
  • He had a significant number of disciples: 84,000 Gandharas, 84,000 Sadhus, 300,000 Sadhvis, 305,000 Shravaks, and 554,000 Shravikas.

• Renunciation and Nirvana:

  • His total lifespan was 84 lakh years.
  • He endured all 22 types of physical hardships (Parishaha) with equanimity.
  • He attained Moksha (liberation) from Ashtapad on Maha Vad 11 (Gujarati: Posh Vad 11), under the Abhijit nakshatra and Makar rashi, in the first half of the day, while seated in the Padmasana posture.
  • His height in Moksha was 33,333 Dhanush.
  • At the time of his liberation, 10,000 souls attained Moksha with him.
  • His liberation occurred at the end of the third era, with 3 years and 8.5 months remaining in that era.

Sources and Scholarly Approach:

Muni Shri Dipratnasagarji has meticulously compiled this information from various authoritative Jain texts, including:

• "Saptatishthana Pravar" by Somatinasuri.
• "Aavashyak Niryukti" and its commentary.
• "Tirthodghaliya Panopad"
• "Pravachan Saroddhar"
• "Harivamsapurana"
• "Adipurush Charitra"
• "Samavayanga Sutra"
• And other Agam (canonical) texts.

Important Note on Variations:

The author acknowledges that there can be variations in numbers and details across different scriptural texts and commentaries. He highlights examples such as the varying numbers of Ganadharas for different Tirthankaras and different counts for ascetics and householders. This demonstrates a scholarly approach that respects the integrity of the tradition while being transparent about textual differences.

Overall Significance:

"Tirthankar 01 Rushabhdev Bhagwan Parichay" serves as a valuable resource for understanding the life and teachings of the first Tirthankar, Bhagwan Rushabhdev. It provides a structured and comprehensive overview, making complex Jain philosophy and history accessible to readers. The book is a testament to the author's dedication to preserving and disseminating Jain knowledge.