Treasury of Jain Tales

SR No.: 006762
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: V M Kulkarni
Publisher: Shardaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre
Publication Year: 1994
Total Pages: 468
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 17 MB

Page 204

22. RSABHA CARITRA
Rsabha, the first king, the first Jina who was also the first kevalin and the first Tirtharkara became also the first cakravartin. He was born to Marudevi, the wife of Nābhi kulakara, on the eighth day of the dark half of the month of Caitra. The birth was duly celebrated by the deities presiding over all the directions. Indra, the king of Gods, however felt terribly frightened, he was trembling all over at the birth of Rsabha. He at once visited the baby and bowed to him because Indra knew by his avadhijñāna that the child was going to be the first Tirtharikara.
Then he summoned god, Harinaigamesi by name and ordered him to ring thrice the giant bell Sughosa and proclaim to the whole world of gods Indra's message. He wanted all the gods to be present in Jambūdvipa without any delay to celebrate the birth of the first Tirtharikara. They were further instructed to bring with them their families as well. They were also instructed to carry rich gifts for the child. The birth of Rsabha was duly celebrated on a grand scale.
The first Tirtharikara Rsabha lived as Kumāra for twenty lakh purvas. During his reign, he taught people seventytwo arts of men, sixtyfour arts of women and one hundred arts in sculpture.
He put on the thrones of a hundred kingdoms a hundred of his sons and himself settled down as a maharaja over them all and that is how he ruled for eightythree lakh pūrvas. After ruling for this length of time on the 9th day of the dark half of the month of Caitra he came to Siddharthavana, the famous park outside his city, followed by a large number of people. He stood under an Asoka tree, removed all his ornaments and plucked all his hair in four