Rishbhdev

Rishabhdev, also known as Rishabhanatha, is revered as the first Tirthankara of Jainism — an ancient Indian religion that emphasises non-violence (ahimsa), truth, and asceticism. He is regarded as the founder of human civilisation in Jain tradition and the pioneer of spiritual, cultural, and social institutions that guided humankind towards an organised way of life. Rishabhdev’s life, teachings, and symbolism occupy a central place in Jain philosophy and iconography, representing the beginning of the current time cycle (Avasarpini).

Historical and Mythological Background

According to Jain cosmology, time is divided into infinite cycles, each consisting of two halves — Utsarpini (ascending) and Avasarpini (descending). Rishabhdev appeared in the Avasarpini cycle, when moral and spiritual values were on the decline.
He was born to King Nabhiraja and Queen Marudevi in the ancient city of Ayodhya, which is considered his birthplace. His dynasty was known as the Ikshvaku dynasty, and according to Jain scriptures, he was the first ruler to introduce social order and civilisation among humans. His symbol (Lanchhana) is the bull, and his colour is golden.
Rishabhdev’s life is chronicled in sacred Jain texts such as the Kalpa Sutra, Adipurana by Acharya Jinasena, and various Aagamas. He is also mentioned in some Hindu scriptures such as the Bhagavata Purana, where he is identified with an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, reflecting the reverence he commands across traditions.

Contributions to Human Civilisation

Rishabhdev is credited with transforming primitive human existence into an organised and cultured society. Before his time, humans lived a natural life without agriculture, trade, or governance. Seeing their difficulties, Rishabhdev imparted essential knowledge and skills to establish a civilised world. His major contributions include:

• Introduction of Agriculture: He taught people how to cultivate land, sow seeds, and harvest crops, ending their dependence on wild fruits.
• Formation of Social Institutions: Rishabhdev divided society into various functional groups, introducing the concept of varna based on occupation — Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (traders), and Shudras (labourers).
• Development of Arts and Professions: He encouraged the learning of crafts, trade, writing, and music, laying the foundation of human culture.
• Teaching of Ahimsa and Dharma: Rishabhdev propagated the principles of non-violence, self-restraint, and righteousness as means to attain spiritual liberation (moksha).

Because of these foundational contributions, he is often called Adinath, meaning “the first lord” or “the original teacher”.

Renunciation and Enlightenment

After ruling his kingdom for a long period and ensuring peace and prosperity, Rishabhdev renounced worldly life upon realising the impermanence of material existence. Inspired by spiritual insight, he handed over his kingdom to his sons — Bharata and Bahubali — and became an ascetic.
He practised severe penance and meditation for 1,000 years, after which he attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) — the supreme knowledge that liberates one from the cycle of birth and death. Subsequently, he delivered his first sermon (Divya Dhvani) at Sammed Shikharji, one of the most sacred Jain pilgrimage sites.
Finally, Rishabhdev achieved moksha (liberation) at Ashtapada Hill (Mount Kailash), ascending to the Siddha state, where liberated souls reside eternally.

Iconography and Symbolism

In Jain art and sculpture, Rishabhdev is typically depicted in a meditative posture (either Padmasana or Kayotsarga) with his identifying emblem, the bull, carved on the pedestal. His long locks of hair, flowing over his shoulders, distinguish him from other Tirthankaras.
Common features of Rishabhdev’s iconography include:

• Colour: Golden or yellow, symbolising purity and enlightenment.
• Emblem (Lanchhana): Bull, representing strength and steadfastness.
• Attendant Deities: Yaksha Gomukha and Yakshini Chakreshvari, who serve as his guardian deities.
• Associated Tree: Nyagrodha (banyan tree), under which he attained enlightenment.

Prominent temples dedicated to him include:

• Shri Rishabhdev Ji Temple (Kesariyaji), Udaipur, Rajasthan, a major pilgrimage site for both Jains and Hindus.
• Shri Adinath Temple at Shatrunjaya (Palitana), Gujarat, one of the holiest Jain shrines.
• Shri Digambar Jain Bada Mandir, Hastinapur, Uttar Pradesh, which houses idols of Rishabhdev in exquisite marble.

Philosophical Teachings

Rishabhdev’s teachings form the foundation of Jain ethics and spiritual practice. He emphasised the following core principles:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): Abstaining from harm to any living being in thought, word, and deed.
• Satya (Truthfulness): Speaking truth without causing harm.
• Asteya (Non-stealing): Refraining from taking what is not willingly offered.
• Brahmacharya (Celibacy): Maintaining purity in conduct and control over desires.
• Aparigraha (Non-possession): Renouncing material attachment and greed.

These principles, known as the Five Great Vows (Mahavratas), became the moral and spiritual code for Jain monks and householders alike.

Family and Legacy

Rishabhdev had one hundred sons and two daughters. Among them, Bharata, his eldest son, became a universal monarch (Chakravartin) and gave his name to India — Bharatavarsha. Another son, Bahubali, is celebrated for his spiritual triumph and is commemorated with the colossal Gommateshwara statue at Shravanabelagola, Karnataka.
His daughter Brahmi is said to have invented the Brahmi script, while Sundari developed arithmetic — highlighting Rishabhdev’s family’s contribution to human knowledge.

Significance in Jainism and Indian Culture

Rishabhdev holds a preeminent position not only as the first Tirthankara but also as a cultural hero and lawgiver. His life symbolises the transition from primitive living to a spiritually and socially organised human civilisation. Jain texts often refer to him as the initiator of Dharma, marking the dawn of religious consciousness among humankind.
Beyond Jainism, Rishabhdev is acknowledged in Hindu scriptures as a revered spiritual figure, illustrating India’s long-standing tradition of philosophical interconnection among its religions.

Worship and Pilgrimage

Devotees worship Rishabhdev as Adinath Bhagwan, the embodiment of purity and self-realisation. Temples dedicated to him are centres of spiritual devotion, meditation, and learning. The annual Rishabhdev Jayanti celebrates his birth, observed with great reverence by the Jain community. Pilgrims visit sacred sites such as Mount Ashtapada, Shatrunjaya, Sammed Shikharji, and Kesariyaji to honour his legacy.