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Book Review RISABHA DEVA - THE FOUNDER OF JAINISM
By Barrister C. R. Jain
Price:P.B. Rs. 200/-, H.B.Rs. 325/- PP 156 Frist Edition 1929
Pubished by : Bhagwan Rishabhdev Granthmala, Second Edition 2008
Sanganer, Jaipur Also Available at: Vir Sewa Mandir, 21, Daryaganj.
New Delhi 110002
Risabha Deva was first written by C.R. Jain in 1929 and has been out-of-print for more than 75 years. This book remains till date one of the most elaborate and authoritative analysis on Risabha Deva. In the original book, photographs and illustrations were in black and white and these have been replaced by 16 coloured photographs in the present edition.
Risabha Deva, the first Tirthamkara of Jains was the founder of Jainism, Jain chronology places him in almost immeasurable antiquity in the past, Risabha was born at the end of the third period in the current regressive half cycle of time (AVASARPANI) when life was no longer ideyllic. In the Hindu Bhagavat-Purana, Risabha is mentioned as an incarnation of God Vishnu. There is sufficient evidence that Risabha Deva was worshipped in the Indus Valley civilisations. Numerous seals of image of bulls (bulls the symbol of Risabha) have been found and also a nude image of male standing in erect posture (Kayotsarga) have been found in Mohenjodaro excavations. The Vedas have mentioned him in Vedic hymns as a long haired sage often associated with Shiva. Some images of Risabha have been found with locks of hair hanging on the shoulders.
C.R.jain has discussed the previous incarnations of Risabha in Jaina canonical literature. The conditions of existence of early life have been explained in this book. His father was Nabhi, one of the patriarchs (Kulkaras) of that era and his mother was Maru-Devi. His father Nabhi appointed him the king who belonged to Kshtriya Varna or ruling class of society. Risabha Deva Organised the society and taught Asi (swordsmanship). Krishi (agriculture), Masi (writing). Vanijaya (commerce), Silpa (crafts) and Vidya (knowledge) to people. He developed alphabets and taught them first to Brahmi and mathematics to his daughter Sundari. These professions changed the earth from the place of enjoyments (Bhogabhumi) to place of action (Karmabhumi). Thus, Jinasen in Adipurana virtually called him Jain Brahma. The importance of Risabha Deva therefore lies in the fact that he created the organisation of human society and was called Prajapati (lord of Creatures), AdiDeva (First Lord) and the World Teacher. He was also the first lawgiver to the society and set up spiritual and secular laws for society and mankind. He also devised the new marriage system.
