The History of the Kulagaras and the Early Life of Rishabha (Vijjāharalogavaņņana, Paumacariya)

Summary

This long section retells legendary history from Jain cosmology about the Kulagaras – ancient law‑givers – and the first Tīrthaṅkara, R̥ṣabha. In the descending half of the current time cycle, human society gradually deteriorated. The Kulagaras appeared in succession to teach social order and ethical norms. Each legislator introduced practices appropriate to the era: one instituted the law of marriage, another taught agriculture, another defined trade and industry. They introduced systems of punishment such as admonition and warning to curb violencehttps://jainworld.jainworld.com/jainbooks/images/18/Legendary_History.htm#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20these%20sixty,the%20legislator%20of%20the%20Hindus. The last Kulagara was R̥ṣabha, who combined worldly leadership with spiritual insight. He taught his subjects how to cultivate land, sow seeds and establish villages; he encouraged crafts and created social institutions. When he saw that material prosperity bred attachment, he renounced his kingdom, divided his wealth among his hundred sons and daughters, and became an ascetic. R̥ṣabha’s early life is described in detail: his birth under auspicious signs, his childhood virtues and his compassion towards all beings. He performed austerities, practised meditation and eventually attained omniscience. As the first Tīrthaṅkara he preached the doctrine of non‑violence, truth and restraint, attracting a large following. His son Bharata Chakravarti is credited with creating political unity in India. Through this narrative, the article illustrates the Jain view of cyclical time, social evolution and the importance of righteous rulers.