पावन स्मरण तीर्थंकर ऋषभ का
Summary
The text describes the life and legacy of Rishabhdev, the first Jain Tirthankara, and the origins of Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Ikshu Teej. It begins by depicting the Yogalik Yug, a peaceful era where humans, called Yugaliks, lived in harmony with nature, their desires fulfilled by wish-fulfilling trees (Kalpavriksha). Over time, their merit diminished, leading to scarcity, hunger, and theft. To restore order, seven Kulakars (administrators) were appointed, but their policies of "Ha," "Ma," and "Dhikkar" failed. The last Kulakar, Nabhiraja, sent complainants to his son, Rishabhdev, who resolved issues wisely. Rishabhdev taught people agriculture, including plowing with oxen, and introduced a system where oxen were muzzled to prevent them from eating grain during threshing. This led to a twelve-hour fast for the oxen, which later became a twelve-month period of austerity for Rishabhdev. He divided work into three categories: Ashi (defense), Mashi (trade), and Krishi (farming), establishing social order. After organizing society, he renounced his kingdom, became a monk, and took a vow of silence. Four thousand kings and princes followed him, but his silence and lack of guidance caused many disciples to leave. During his twelve-month silent mendicancy, Rishabhdev did not ask for food, and people did not know to offer it. Eventually, he arrived in Hastinapur, where his grandson Shreyanshkumar recognized him through past-life memory and offered him sugarcane juice (Ikshu Ras), breaking his fast. This event is commemorated as Akshaya Tritiya. Later, Rishabhdev attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience). His mother, Marudeva, also attained Kevala Jnana and liberation while watching him. Rishabhdev ultimately achieved liberation through his
Conclusion
The narrative underscores the foundational role of Ṛṣabhadeva in establishing social order, agriculture, and spiritual discipline, with lasting implications for Jain tradition. His transition from a king who taught essential survival skills—such as farming and food preparation—to a silent ascetic highlights the tension between worldly responsibilities and renunciation. The account of his twelve-month fast, broken with sugarcane juice on Akṣaya Tṛtīyā, institutionalizes a key ritual practice. The outcomes include the formation of a monastic community, the emergence of karmic consequences (such as the twelve-hour delay becoming twelve months), and the ultimate liberation of his mother, Marudevā, through pure thought. This document reinforces the ideal of detachment and the power of spiritual resolve, showing how Ṛṣabhadeva’s life continues to inspire devotion and ascetic practices among Jains today.