Bhagwan Neminath

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

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BHAGAWAN NEMINÄTH
04 Bhagawän Neminäth
Long time ago the Yadava clan had settled on the banks of the River Yamunä in India. Mathura and Sauripura were the major centers of the Yadava community. They are located in the present-day state of Uttar Pradesh. The Yadava king, Samudravijay, was ruling over Sauripura with his wife, Shivädevi. Lord Neminäth was born to them and was named Nemkumär. When he was in his mother's womb, she dreamt of a series of black jewels, called Arista. He is therefore also known as Aristanemi.
King Väsudev, the younger brother of king Samudravijay was the king of Mathurä. He had two queens. Queen Rohini had a son named Balräm (Padma) and Queen Devaki had a son named Shri Krishna. Both Balräm and Shri Krishna were the ninth Baldev and Väsudev as per Jain tradition. Shri Krishna is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu (God) in Hindu religion.
During this time hunting was a favorite sport and gambling was considered a respectable activity. Animals were sacrificed on the altar in religious ceremonies, and non-vegetarian diet was very popular.
Also at this time, the whole area of central India had been disturbed due to the prevailing conspiracies among various kingdoms. King Kamsa and the oppressive king Jaräsangha of Magadha were the worst. King Jaräsangha was Prativasudev as per Jain tradition,
In order to protect the people and get away from these everyday problems, various kings of the Yädava clan, including Samudravijay, Väsudev, Ugrasen, and Shri Krishna migrated from Mathura and Sauripura to the West Coast of Gujarat, India. Shri Krishna constructed the large and beautiful town of Dvärkä on the seacoast near the Raivatak (Girnar) Mountain. Its grand architecture and strong fortification made it heavenly, beautiful and unconquerable.
Ugrasen became the king of Junagadh, situated on the other side of the foothills of Mount Girnar. By his wife Dhärini, he had a daughter named Räjimati or Räjul. She was a very beautiful and graceful young girl. Many princes were eager to marry her. However, when she came to know of Nemkumar she became captivated by him and desired to marry him. King Ugrasen sent a request of Räjul's engagement to Nemkumär. After considerable effort, friends and family persuaded Nemkumär to become engaged to Räjul. With much hesitation, he agreed. Everyone was happy as Nem and Räjul would make an ideal couple. The two were engaged and an auspicious day was fixed for their wedding ceremony.
Nemkumär's wedding procession
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