Jain Journal 1973 10

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 12

OCTOBER, 1973
fathers; bhoga, who were ministers ; rājanya, who were the members of the king's household ; and kșatriya, who comprised the rest.
With all these things accomplished, his mission as a monarch was now nearing its completion. He renounced his kingdom in favour of his eldest son Bharata, after whom India is today known as Bharatavarsa.
Followed by a large retinue of monks, Risabha now took to a wandering career. In this way many years passed till he reached Sakatamukha park, which was to the north of Purimatala (modern Allahabad). In this park, he practised various austerities and got rid of Karmic bondage. At this stage, he attained omniscience and the occasion was duly celebrated by the gods.
Four segments of spiritual order were provided at the first congregation held by the Lord-monks, nuns, lay disciples, male and female. These four segments characterise the Jaina spiritual order to this day. Even the order of Ganadharas (spiritual stalwarts, who were named leaders of different gaņas or church-segments under the Lord) was named by the Lord. This order was headed by Rsabhasena, Bharata's son. Then he gave the fundamentals of the Jaina religion
—the sūtras, sūtrarthas, dravyas, guņas, paryāyas and nayas. In this way, the Lord established the tirtha and equipped it with complete tenets, because of which he became the first Tirthankara.
With his earthly mission nearing completion, the Lord gave up his mortal frame through fasting. His final moment was spent on the Astapada mountain (Mount Kailasa). This was an occasion of great sorrow for all categories of beings, a great event for the universe, the exist of a Tirthankara.
A brief biographical reference may now be given of the last three Tirthankaras, who have been known figures of history.
Neminatha-His parents were Samudravijaya, the King of Sauripura and queen Sivadevi. He was born on the 5th day of the second half of Sravana (August), with the emblem of a conch-shell. His full name was Aristanemi. Samudravijaya had a brother whose name was Vasudeva. He had two sons, the celebrated Krsna and Baladeva. Thus Krsna was Aristanemi's elder cousin.
He was to be married to Rajimati, the daughter of Ugrasena (Kansa's father), a former king of Mathura and now the ruler of Girnar. As the