Jainism

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Bhagwan Rishabhdevji


The first of the 24 Tirthankars, Bhagwan Rishabhdevji was the opening for a long list of faultless souls. From his mother’s godly dreams before his birth to his achievements during his life, Rishabhdevji made everyone think.

Born of Sri Nabhiji and Matha Marudevi Rishabhdevji entered the world one night during Chaitra Krishna Paksha 8. Before his birth his mother dreamt of fourteen auspicious things:
Large white bull
A giant elephant having four tusks,
A lion,
Goddess Laxmi seated on a lotus,
A garland of flowers,
The full moon resplendent in the sky,
The scintillating sun,
A fluttering flag,
A golden urn,
A pond full of lotus flowers,
A sea of milk,
A space vehicle of gods,
A heap of gems,
Smokeless fire,

Matha then went to Nabhiraja (an experiences scholarly person) to seek out what these dreams meant. Nabhiraja then told Matha "Devi! You will give birth to a highly endowed soul who will show the path of peace and happiness to this world" The birth was successful and two healthy twins where born. Gods and Goddesses came from around the globe to praise these two babies, and give gifts to their creator. Sri Nabhiji named the first Tirthankar Rishbhdevji, and they also had a full name they shared “Sumangala.” After a while he married a girl named Sunanda whose twin died in an accident. But he was also married to his twin Sumangala in a rite that was arranged by the gods. Prince Rishabh led a happy married life. Sumangala gave birth to Bharat, Brahmi and ninety-eight other sons, and Sunanda gave birth to Bahubali and Sundari.
“Prince Rishabh was a highly gifted, farsighted and industrious individual. He had a profound insight into the human psychology. Looking at the needs the times and society he evolved numerous arts, crafts and trades and taught them to people with right aptitude and physical and mental capacities. To some he taught farming and to others the trade of agricultur...