ऋषभ : राजतंत्र से धर्मचक्र तक
Summary
The text describes the life and contributions of Bhagavan Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara in Jainism, also known as Adinath. He was born to King Nabhiraja and Queen Marudevi on Chaitra Krishna Ashtami. Rishabhdev is credited with establishing the foundations of human civilization, including social, political, and economic systems. He introduced agriculture, cooking, arts, crafts, and the concept of punishment for maintaining order. He also established the first monarchy and created four social classes: Ugra, Bhoga, Rajanya, and Kshatriya. The text details the transition from the Yaugalik era, where humans lived in pairs with all needs met by wish-fulfilling trees, to a more complex society. As the trees' power waned, conflicts arose, leading to the Kulakar system of governance, which eventually evolved into a monarchy under Rishabhdev. After a long reign, Rishabhdev renounced his kingdom and undertook severe asceticism, including a year-long fast. He broke his fast on Vaishakh Shukla Tritiya by accepting sugarcane juice offered by his great-grandson, Shreyansh. This event is commemorated as Akshaya Tritiya, considered an auspicious day for beginning new ventures. The text also explains the modern practice of Varshitap, a year-long alternate-day fasting, which differs from Rishabhdev's continuous fast.
Conclusion
The document details the origins of societal structures, from the Yaugalik era to the establishment of kingship under Rishabhdev, highlighting the evolution of governance, agriculture, and crafts. It culminates in the narrative of Rishabhdev's year-long fast and the first offering of sugarcane juice by Shreyans, establishing the tradition of Varshitap and the significance of Akshaya Tritiya. The implications are profound: this text provides a foundational myth for Jain practices of austerity and charity, linking contemporary observances directly to the actions of the first Tirthankara. The outcome is the codification of a major religious festival, Akshaya Tritiya, as an auspicious day for new beginnings and the perpetuation of a rigorous spiritual discipline, Varshitap, which continues to be observed by the Jain community as a means of spiritual purification and emulation of the Tirthankara's supreme penance.