Lecture On Jainism

Author(s): Lala Banarasidas
Publisher: Anuvrat Samiti

Page 45

( 37 ! In Jain Shastras it is said that when Rishabha
Deva left the world, four thousand Jain Shastras.
other Rajas followed him and became Digambara; but they could not adherc to liis strict Charitra, and three hundred and sixty-thrce of thern became the founders of Pakhanda rcligions. One of these was Sukra or Brihaspati. This was at the end of the 3rd Kala. Thus according to Jain Shastras Rishabha Deva was the first prcacher of Jainism. As I have said above the tradition, that threc hundred and sixty-three Rajas being corrupt preached three hundred and sixty-three Pakhanda religions, should be understood to represent the intellectual state of ancient India at a very early date. There was at that time a great intellectual activity, an infinite nuniber of intellectu-l centres of thought being scattered all over the country.
Let us now see if there is any confirmation of this · Blinddu Scriptures. Jain tradition in Brahmanical works.
In Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 5, Adhyaya 3---6 we read of Rishabha. It is said in that sacred work that of the fourteen Manus Swayanbhu Manu was the first. When Brahma saw that the world did not multiply, he created Swayanıbhu Manu and Satya Rupa, the latter becoming the wife of the former. Swayambhu Manu begot Priyavarata, who begot Agnidhra, who begot Nabhi. Nabhi married Maru Devi and their issue was Rishabha Deva. This Rishabha in the Bhagavata is said to be a Digambara and the founder of Jainism. And see when Rishabha