Place of birth

      Bhagavana Rsabhadeva was the first Tirthankara. He was born in Ayodhya. His father was king Nabhiraya. His mother was queen Marudevi-a pious lady. Being the first Tirathankara, Bhagavana Rsabhadeva is also known as Adinatha.

      At the time of conception, mother Marudevi had sixteen beautiful dreams. she was very happy and elated. Next morning, she requested King Nabhiraya to explain the meaning of the dreams. the King was very delighted. he told her that auspicious dreams indicate the conception of a world Saviour and Spiritual Victor-Tirathankara.

      When Rsabhadeva was born, Saudharma-Indra came and performed the "Janmabhiseka". Gradually, Bhagavana Rsabhadeva attained adulthood and married. taught for the first time, the art of Asi (Consructive use of sword for protecting the weak). Masi (Use of ink with pen and brush), Krsi (Agriculture), vidya (Knowledge), Vanijay (Trade and Commerce) and Silpa (Art, Science and Technology). These were the basic but harmless ways to fulfil every one's primary needs for earning livelihood. So Bhagavana Rsabhadeva was also known as "Prajapati". Bharata and Bahubali were his famous sons. His eldest son Bharata was the first Cakravarti. Our country is known as Bharatadesa after his son Bharata. Resbhadeva had two daughters-Brahmi and Sundari. He taught them "Brahmi-lipi" (first ancient script) and "Ank-Vidya" (science of numbers) respectively.

      One day, a celestial Apsara-Neelanjana died while dancing in the court of Rsabhadeva. Seeing this, he developed the feeling of Renunciation. he left all his worldly possessions and became a  nude monk (a Digambara Sadhu). In Hindu scriptures (Vedas) and several puranas as well, name of Rsabhadeva is mentioned with reverence.

      After he became monk, he did penance for number of years and attained perfect knowledge (Keval-Jnan). On attaining Perfect knowledge, he became Vitraga-one who is beyond attachment and aversion. He rid his soul of all karmas, which are cause of anger, pride or desire. He delivered his semons from Samavasarana (Religious assembly). His sermons were to teach all to follow the path of salvation by following non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity and non-attachment.

      Order of his religious followers was simple and scientific. It was divided in four folds-Nude-Monk (Muni), Lady-monk (Aryaka), House-holder (Sravaka) and Lady-house-holder (Sravika).

      Ultimately, when all his karmas were exhausted, he rid himself of his mortal body, attained Nirvana and became Siddha.

:

: