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## Fourth Study: Pratikraman
**Lighthouses are:**
**Lord Rishabhdev**
Among the twenty-four Tirthankaras in the present Kalchakra, Lord Rishabhdev is the first. Human civilization originated with him. Before him, humans lived in forests, ate fruits, and wandered without any social life. They had no knowledge of Dharma or Karma. Lord Rishabhdev was the first to reveal the true nature of the soul.
Lord Rishabhdev is the founder of Jainism in this Avasarpini Kal. Those who consider Jainism to be entirely modern should pay attention to this. The praises of Lord Rishabhdev are sung in the Vedas and Puranas. He was the original redeemer of human culture, therefore he has been revered by all humans. Ancient Vedic Rishis did not forget his great favors, they have sung his praises with open hearts.
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Anarvaanam Vrishabham Mandrajivham, Brihaspatim Vardhaya Navyam Arke.
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- Rig Veda 1.190.1
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Meaning: Worship Rishabh, who is sweet-tongued, knowledgeable, and worthy of praise, with mantras that enhance him.
Lord Mahavira, at the beginning of this age, enhanced the dignity of Jainism established by Lord Rishabhdev, with the help of the twenty-two intermediate Tirthankaras and the final Tirthankara, Lord Mahavira. But at that time, they had to grapple with many difficult problems in both social and religious spheres. More than twenty-six hundred years ago, although the island of Dharma was lit, the state of the country was very deplorable. Violence was rampant, and humanity was groaning under the weight of exploitation and immorality. Rivers of animal blood flowed in the name of religion, and terrible atrocities were committed against Shudras and women. In that difficult time, the savior of the world, the valiant Lord, was born and with his inner strength, he sounded the drum of non-violence.
India owes an infinite debt to Lord Mahavira, a debt that we can never repay in any way. He was completely selfless, he did not want anything in return. But as his followers or servants, it is our duty to walk on the path he showed us and bow our heads in reverence and devotion at his lotus feet.
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Niggantham Pavayanam - 'Pavayanam' is the noun and 'Niggantham' is the adjective. The word 'Nigganth' is famous in Jain literature. The Sanskrit form of Nigganth is 'Nirgranth'. Nirgranth means - free from external attachments like wealth and possessions, and internal attachments like false beliefs, non-restraint, anger, pride, and delusion, i.e., completely renounced and...