PAMPA'S ADI PURANA
By R. Tattacharya
Summary
**Summary of Pampa's Adi Purana (Extracted Text):** Pampa's *Adi Purana* recounts the birth and early life of the Jina (spiritual savior) in the lineage of Nabhi and Marudevi. The city of Ayodhya, renamed Saketa and Vinite for its prosperity and virtuous residents, hosted the divine birth after Indra celebrated the coronation of Nabhi and Marudevi. Indra replaced the infant Jina with another child to protect him, later returning the Jina to his parents after rituals in Pundarika-van. The Jina received the name *Vrishabhasvami* (Lord of Dharma) and was raised alongside other princes, mastering all arts and sciences. Vrishabhasvami married Yasasvati and Sunanda-Mahadevi, fathering 100 sons, including Bharata (a Chakravarti in a past life), and daughters Brahmi and Sundari. He taught his daughters Siddham mantras, grammar, and fine arts, while his sons learned diverse sciences like astronomy, music, and economics. Over twenty *purva* periods, the Jina organized societal duties, dividing the world into regions like Kasi, Kausala, and Karnata, with clear roles for Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaniks (merchants), and Sudras (laborers). He established *Kritayuga* (age of righteousness) and prohibited *varna* mixing. Indra built temples and cities, and the Jina was crowned *Adi Brahma* in a grand ceremony. The text emphasizes the Jina’s role in structuring society and
Conclusion
This document details the divine birth and early life of Vrishabhasvami, emphasizing his role as a future Tirthamkara and the celestial events surrounding his conception, naming, and education. The text highlights the cosmic significance of Ayodhya’s establishment, the divine interventions by Indra, and the comprehensive education imparted to Vrishabhasvami’s children, reflecting the transition from mythological grandeur to structured dharma. The narrative underscores the shift from divine favor to the practical challenges of governance and societal welfare, setting the stage for Vrishabhasvami’s eventual role in addressing Karmabhumi’s struggles, thus bridging myth and moral responsibility.