The First Tirthankara

Bhagwan Adinath (Lord Rishabha)

प्रथम तीर्थंकर भगवान आदिनाथ (ऋषभदेव)

The herald of civilization and the first ford-maker of the current cosmic cycle. He taught humanity the arts of survival—agriculture, writing, and commerce—before guiding them on the path of liberation.

Bhagwan Adinath
Aadi Brahma

The Beginning of the Path.

Symbol: Bull Clan: Ikshvaku Moksha: Ashtapad

Divine Life Journey

Divine Birth
  • Father: King Nabhi Raja (Last Kulkar)
  • Mother: Queen Marudevi
  • Place: Ayodhya
  • Lineage: Ikshvaku Clan
Family Legacy
  • Sons: 101 (Including Bharat & Bahubali)
  • Daughters: Brahmi (Script) & Sundari (Maths)
  • Grandson: Marichi (Soul of Mahavira)
The Dawn of Civilization

Before Rishabhdev, humanity lived in the "Bhog-Bhumi" (Land of Enjoyment) relying entirely on Kalpa-vrikshas (wish-fulfilling trees). As the yield of these trees diminished, chaos ensued.

Lord Rishabha taught humanity the Six Arts (Shasi) to survive in the new "Karma-Bhumi" (Land of Action): Asi (Defence), Masi (Writing), Krishi (Agriculture), Vidya (Knowledge), Vanijya (Commerce), and Shilp (Crafts).

The Age of Twins (Yugalia)

Born at the end of the third Ara, Rishabhdev's era marked the transition from the age of Twins (Yugalia)—where couples were born together and died together leading simple lives—to an organized society headed by Kulkars. His father, Nabhi Raja, was the 7th and last Kulkar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the First Lord of Jainism.

"Adi" means "First" or "Beginning" and "Nath" means "Lord". He is called Adinath because he was the First Tirthankara of the current cosmic cycle (Avasarpini) and the originator of human civilization, culture, and law.

His eldest son was Bharat Chakravarti, a conqueror of the six continents, after whom India is named "Bharat". His second son was Bahubali, known for his immense strength and renunciation, whose colossal statue stands at Shravanabelagola.

Bhagwan Adinath attained Moksha (liberation) at Ashtapad Mountain (often identified with Mount Kailash in the Himalayas). This site is considered one of the holiest and most difficult to reach pilgrimages in Jain tradition.

Mata Marudevi holds a unique position in Jain history. While riding an elephant to see her son's divine glory (Samavasarana), she attained such purity of thought that she achieved Moksha right there, becoming the first person of this era to be liberated—even before Tirthankara Rishabha himself.