Rishabhanatha

Rishabhanatha
First Tirthankara
Image of Rishabhanatha at Kundalpur pilgrimage site in Madhya Pradesh, India
Other names	Adinatha, Adish Jina (first conqueror), Adi Purush (first Perfect Man), Ikshvaku
Symbol	Bull
Color	Golden
Parents	Nabhi (father) Marudevi (mother)
Children	100 sons including Bharata and Bahubali, and 2 daughters: Sundari, Brahmi

Rishabhanatha (also Ṛṣabhadeva, Rishabhadeva, or Ṛṣabha which literally means "bull") is the first Tirthankara (ford maker) in Jainism. A mythical leader, he is believed in Jainism to have lived millions of years ago. He was the first of twenty four teachers in the present half cycle of time in Jain cosmology, and called a ford maker because his teachings helped one across the sea of interminable rebirths and deaths (saṃsāra). He is also known as Ādinātha of Jainism which translates into "First (Adi) Lord (nātha)", as well as Adishvara (first ishvara), Yugadideva (deva of yuga), Prathamaraja (first king), and Nebheya (son of Nabhi). Along with Mahavira, Parshvanatha and Neminatha, Rishabhanatha is one of the four Tirthankaras that attract the most devotional worship among the Jains.

According to Jain traditional accounts, he was born to King Nabhi and Queen Marudevi in north Indian city of Ayodhya, also called Vinita. He had two wives, Sunanda and Sumangala. Sumangala is described as the mother of his ninety-nine sons (including Bharata) and one daughter, Brahmi. Sunanda is depicted as the mother of Bahubali and Sundari. The sudden death of Nilanjana, one of the dancers of Indra, reminded him of the world's transitory nature and he developed a desire for renunciation. After renouncing, the Jain legends state he wandered without food for a whole year. The day on which he got his first ahara (food), is celebrated as Akshaya Tritiya by Jains. He is said to have attained Moksha on Mount Kailash. The text Adi Purana by Jinasena is an account of the events of his life. His iconography includes colossal statues such as Statue of Ahimsa, Bawangaja and those erected in Gopachal hill. His icons include the eponymous bull as his emblem, the Nyagrodha tree, Gomukha (bull-faced) Yaksha, and Chakreshvari Yakshi.

Introduction

According to Jain cosmology, the universe does not have a temporal beginning or end. Its "Universal History" divides the cycle of time into two halves (avasarpiṇī and utsarpiṇī) with six aras (spokes) in each half, and the cycles keep repeating perpetually. Twenty-four Tirthankaras appear in every ara, the first Tirthankara founding Jainism each time. In the present time cycle, Rishabhanatha is credited as being the first tīrthaṅkara, born at the end of the third ara (known as suṣama-duṣamā).

According to Jain texts, Rishabhanatha was born in a king's family in the age when there was happiness all around with no one needing to do any work because of Kalpavriksha (miraculous wish-fulfilling trees). Gradually as the cycle progressed, the efficacy of these trees decreased, people rushed to their king for help. Rishabhanatha is then said to have taught the men six main professions. These were: (1) Asi (swordsmanship for protection), (2) Masi (writing skills), (3) Krishi (agriculture), (4) Vidya (knowledge), (5) Vanijya (trade and commerce) and (6) Shilp (crafts). In other words, he is credited with introducing karma-bhumi (the age of action) by founding arts and professions to enable householders to sustain themselves. He is, in the Jain belief, the one who organized a social system that created the varna based on professions.

Rishabhanatha is credited in Jainism to have invented and taught fire, cooking, and all skills needed for human beings to live. In total, Rishabhanatha is said to have taught seventy-two sciences to men, and sixty-four to women. According to Paul Dundas, Rishabhanatha in Jain mythology is thus not merely a spiritual teacher but one who founded knowledge in its various forms and a form of culture hero for the current cosmological cycle.

The institution of marriage is stated to have come into existence after he married to set an example for other humans to follow. His life is also credited by Jains with starting the institution of charity (daana) from layperson to mendicants, when he received surgarcane juice in his hand from king Sreyamsa, to break his fast. This is accepted in the Jain tradition as what started the tradition of alms giving in its various forms, and one that has continued since ancient times in India.

Historicity

Rishabhanatha is said to be the founder of Jainism by the different Jain sub-traditions. Jain chronology places Rishabhanatha in ahistorical terms, as someone who lived millions of years ago. He is stated to have lived for 8,400,000 purva years. His height is described in the Jain texts to be 500 arc lengths (800 ells), or about 1,200 feet. Such descriptions of non-human heights and age are also found for the next 21 Tirthankaras in Jain texts, and according to Kristi Wiley – a scholar at University of California Berkeley known for her publications in Jainism, most Indologists and scholars consider all the first 22 of 24 Tirthankaras to be prehistorical, or ahistorical and a part of Jain mythology. However, among Jain writers and some Indian scholars, some of the first 22 Tirthankaras are considered to reflect historical figures, with a few conceding that the inflated biographical statistics as mythical.

According to Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a professor of comparative religions and philosophy at Oxford who later became the second President of India, there is evidence to show that Ṛṣabhadeva, the first tīrthaṅkara, was being worshipped by the first century BC. The Yajurveda mentions the name of three Tīrthaṅkaras – Ṛṣabha, Ajitanatha and Arishtanemi, states Radhakrishnan, and "the Bhāgavata Purāṇa endorses the view that Ṛṣabha was the founder of Jainism".

Vedic literature

The Vedas mention the name Rishabha. However, the context in the Rigveda, Atharvaveda and the Upanishads suggests that it means the bull, sometimes "any male animal" or "most excellent of any kind", or "a kind of medicinal plant". Elsewhere it is an epithet for the Hindu god Shiva (Rudra). Later Hindu mythical texts such as the Bhagavata Purana include Rishabha Jina as an avatar of Vishnu.

Biography per Jain traditions

Rishabhanatha is known by many names among Jains including Adinatha, Adisvara, Yugadeva and Nabheya. Ādi purāṇa, a major Jain text records the life accounts of Rishabhanatha as well as ten previous incarnations.

Birth

Main article: Marudevi § Birth of Rishabhanatha

See also: Panch Kalyanaka

File:Brooklyn Museum - Page 40 from a manuscript of the Kalpasutra recto image of Jamnabhisheka verso text.jpg

Janma kalyāṇaka from the Kalpa Sutra, c. 14th–15th Century CE

Rishabhanatha was born to King Nabhi and Queen Marudevi in Ayodhya, on the ninth day of the dark half of the month of Chaitra-caitra krişna navamĩ. This is the second auspicious event and is known as Janma Kalyanaka. The association of Rishabhanatha to Ayodhya makes it a sacred town for Jains, as it is in Hinduism for the birth of mythical god Rama.

In Jain tradition, the birth of a Tirthankara is marked by auspicious signs such as certain dreams. Garbha kalyanaka is the first auspicious event out of five auspicious events (Panch Kalyanaka). It means enlivening of the embryo through the descent of the life (soul) in the mortal body. On the second day of Ashadha (a month of the Hindu calendar) Krishna (dark fortnight), Queen Marudevi is said to have seen sixteen auspicious dreams. King Nabhi explained these dreams to her as a sign of Tirthankara's birth. Rishabhanatha, according to Jain mythology, was born after these dreams.

Marriage and children

Rishabhanatha had two wives, Sunanda and Sumangala. Sumangala was the mother of ninety-nine sons (including Bharata) and one daughter, Brahmi. Sunanda was the mother of Bahubali and Sundari.

Rishabhanatha is stated in Jain texts to have taught his daughters Brahmi and Sundari, the Brahmi lipi (ancient Brahmi script) and the science of numbers (Ank-Vidya) respectively. The Pannavana Sutra (2nd century BCE) and the Samavayanga Sutra (3rd century BCE) list many other writing scripts known to the ancient Jaina tradition, of which the Brahmi script named after Rishabha's daughter tops the list.

His eldest son Bharata Chakravartin is stated as one who ruled ancient India from an ancient capital of Ayodhya. Bharata is described in Jain texts as a just and kind ruler, who was not attached to wealth or vices.

Renunciation

Statuary representing meditation by Rishabhanatha in Kayotsarga posture. (Photo:Ajmer Jain temple)

One day god Indra of the first heaven arranged a dance by celestial dancers in the assembly hall of Rishabhanatha. One of the dancers was Nilanjana. While in the midst of a series of vigorous dance movements, she died. The sudden death of Nilanjana reminded Rishabhanatha of the world's transitory nature, triggering him to renounce his kingdom along with his family and material wealth. He gave his kingdom to his hundred sons, of whom Bharata got the city of Vinita (Ayodhya) and Bahubali got the city of Podanapur (Taxila). He became an ascetic on the ninth day of the month of Chaitra Krishna (Hindu calendar). According to Jain mythologies, he practiced severe austerities for 1,000 years, then gained enlightenment, became a Jina.

Akshaya Tritiya

Main article: Akshaya Tritiya § In Jainism

Akshaya Tritya is considered holy and supremely auspicious by Jains. It is believed that Rishabhanatha took his first ahara (alms) after becoming an ascetic on this day. Rishabhanatha, Jains believe, was the first monk of the present half cycle of time (avasarpini). Therefore, people did not know how to offer food (ahara) to monks. King Shreyansa of Hastinapur offered sugarcane juice (ikshu-rasa) to Rishabhanatha. Jains attach great importance to this day as it was only after one year that Rishabhanatha was offered food. The day is celebrated in the Jain tradition on the third day of the bright fortnight of the month Vaishaka (usually April).

Omniscience

Rishabhanatha's moving over lotus after attaining omniscience

Rishabhanatha spent a thousand years performing austerities and then attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) on the 11th day of Falgun Krishna (Hindu calendar) under a banyan tree. The Devas (heavenly beings) created a divine preaching hall known as samavasarana. This is the fourth of Panch Kalyanaka and is known as Kevala Jnāna Kalyanaka. Rishabhanatha attracted a large community of followers that included Sramanas, male and female mendicants, sages and disciples.

Nirvana kalyanaka, death

Kailash Parvat Rachna, Hastinapur

Rishabhanatha is said to have preached Jainism far and wide. At his death, he attained Nirvana kalyanaka (also called Moksha), all four of his ghati karma where destroyed, his soul was liberated from the endless cycle of rebirths, to stay eternally at siddhaloka. His death is believed in Jainism to have occurred on Ashtapada (also known as Mount Kailash) on the fourteenth day of Magha Krishna (Hindu Calendar) at the age of 84 lakh purva years, with three years and eight and a half months remaining of the third ara.

According to medieval era Jain text, Rishabha (Adinatha) performed asceticism for millions of years, then returned to Ashtapada where he fasted to his death (moksha) and then god Indra came, with his fellow gods from the heavens, to cremate his body with sandalwood, camphor, butter, honey and other fire offerings.{{sfn}Cort|2010|pp=121-122}}

In literature

• The Ādi purāṇa, a 9th-century Sanskrit poem, and a 10th-century Kannada commentary on it by the poet Adikavi Pampa (fl. 941 CE), written in Champu style, a mix of prose and verse and spread over sixteen cantos, deals with the ten lives of Rishabhanatha and his two sons. The life of Rishabhanatha is also detailed in Mahapurana of Jinasena, Trisasti-salaka-purusa-caritra by the scholar Hemachandra, Kalpa Sutra a Jain text containing the biographies of the Jain Tirthankaras, and Jambudvipa-prajnapti.

File:1st Tirthankara Rishbha Rsabhanatha Adinath Jainism.jpg

The Rishabhanatha iconography is identified by the bull stamped or carved below his feet. On the center of his chest is a shrivatsa mark identifier of Jain statues.

• Bhaktamara Stotra by Acharya Manatunga is one of the most prominent prayers mentioning Rishabhanatha.
• There is mention of Rishabha in Hindu texts, such as in the Rigveda, Vishnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana (in 5th canto). In the ancient Hindu texts, the term means "bull" and not the Rishabhanatha. In later texts, such as the Bhagavatapurana, he is described as an avatar of Vishnu, a great sage, known for his learning and austerities.
• Rishabhanatha is also mentioned in Buddhist literature. It speaks of several tirthankara and includes Rishabhanatha along with: Padmaprabha, Chandraprabha, Pushpadanta, Vimalanatha, Dharmanatha, and Neminatha. A Buddhist scripture named Dharmottarapradipa mentions Rishabhanatha as an Apta (Tirthankara).

Iconography

Rishabhanatha is usually depicted in the lotus position or kayotsarga, a standing posture of meditation. The distinguishing features of Rishabhanatha are his long locks of hair which fall on his shoulders, and an image of a bull in sculptures of him. Paintings of him usually depict legendary events of his life. Some of these include his marriage, and Indra performing a ritual known as abhisheka (consecration). He is sometimes shown presenting a bowl to his followers and teaching them the art of pottery, painting a house, or weaving textiles. The visit of his mother Marudevi is also shown extensively in painting. He is also associated with his Bull emblem, the Nyagrodha tree, Gomukha (bull-faced) Yaksha, and Chakreshvari Yakshi.

Idols

• Shrine with Four Jinas (Rishabhanatha (Adinatha)), Parshvanatha, Neminatha, and Mahavira) LACMA M.85.55 (1 of 4).jpg

  Shrine with Four Jinas Rishabhanatha, Parshvanatha, Neminatha, and Mahavira at LACMA, 6th century

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  Idol of Rishabhanatha at Mathura Museum, Uttar Pradesh (Circa 6th Century CE)

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  Image depicting Rishabhanatha, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 7th century

• Aadinath 10 Century AD, Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum Dhubela Exhibit Item (13).JPG

  Image depicting Rishabhanatha (Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum) dated 10th century

• Madhya pradesh, epoca candella, tirthankara rishabhanatha, x-xi sec.JPG

  Rishabhanatha, sandstone, Chandela period, Guimet Museum, 10th-11th century

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  Rishabhanatha idol from Gurupura at Shivappa Nayaka palace, Shivamogga, 12th century

• Jina Rishabhanatha with 23 additional Jinas, Rajasthan, Western India, dated Samvat 1201, 1144 AD, brass inlaid with silver - Ethnological Museum, Berlin - DSC01585.JPG

  Rishabhanatha with 23 additional Jinas, Ethnological Museum of Berlin, 12th century

Colossal statues

Statue of Ahimsa, carved out of a single rock, is a 108 feet (33 m) tall (121 feet (37 m) including pedestal) statue of Rishabhanatha and is 1,840 sq feet in size. It is said to be the world's tallest Jain idol. It is located 4,343 feet (1,324 m) above from sea level, near Mangi-Tungi hills near Nashik (Maharashtra). Officials from the Guinness Book of World Records visited Mangi Tungi and awarded the engineer of the 108 ft tall Rishabhdeva statue, C R Patil, the official certificate for the world's tallest Jain idol.

In Madhya Pradesh, there is the Bawangaja (meaning 52 yards (156 ft)) hill, near Barwani with a Gommateshvara figure covered on the top of it. This site is important to Jain pilgrims particularly on the full moon day in January. The site has a Rishabanatha statue carved from a volcanic rock.

The 58.4 feet (17.8 m) Rishabhanatha Statue at Gopachal Hill, Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh. Thousands of Jain idols including 58.4 foot idol of Rishabhanatha were carved in the Gopachal Hill idol from 1398 A.D. to 1536 A.D. by rulers of Tomar dynasty rulers — Viramdev, Dungar Singh and Kirti Singh.

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  Statue of Ahimsa, Maharashtra, 108 feet (33 m)

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  Bawangaja, Madhya Pradesh, 84 feet (26 m)

• Gwalior-adinath1.jpg

  Siddhachal Jain Temple, Gopachal Hill, Madhya Pradesh, 58.4 feet (17.8 m)

Temples

Rishabhanatha is one of the four most devotionally revered Tirthankaras, along with Mahavira, Parshvanatha and Neminatha. Various Jain temple complexes across India feature him, and these are important pilgrimage sites in Jainism. Mount Shatrunjaya, for example, is a hilly part of southern Gujarat, which is believed to have been a place where 23 out of 24 Tirthankaras preached, along with Rishabha. Numerous monks are believed to have attained their liberation from cycles of rebirth there, and a large temple within the complex is dedicated to Rishabha commemorating his enlightenment in Ayodhya. The central Rishabha icon of this complex is called Adinatha or simply Dada (grandfather). This icon is the most revered of all the murtipujaka icons, believed by some in the Jain tradition to have miracle making powers, according to John Cort. In Jain texts, Kunti and the five Pandava brothers of the Hindu Epic Mahabharata came to the hill top to pay respects, and consecrated an icon of Rishabha at Shatrunjaya.

Important Rishabha temple complexes include:

• Palitana temples
• Kulpakji
• Kundalpur
• Bibrod Tirth
• Paporaji

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  Ranakpur Jain temple, Ranakpur, Rajasthan

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  Adinatha temple, Khajuraho

• Delwada.jpg

  Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu, Rajasthan

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  Sanghiji Jain temple, Sanganer, Rajasthan

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  Nasiyan Ji Jain temple, Ajmer

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  Nareli Jain Temple, Ajmer

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  Adishwar Temple, Palitana

See also

• God in Jainism
• History of Jainism
• Siddha

References

Sources

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