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Thus the main duty of us Jains is to first awaken the tradition in our hearts and then follow its principles rather than just following it outwardly in a mechanical way. To preserve the Jain tradition and culture and carry it forward into the present day we have to protect its essence and make it part of our daily lives."
Lord Rishabhdev: The First Tirthankara
Rishabdev is considered the first tirthankara of Jainism. Rishabhdev was born more than 5000 years ago around 3000 B.C. He is a forefather to Lord Rama, the Hindu avatar of supreme God.The worship of Rishabhdev dates from the time period of the Indus Valley and Harappan civilizations.
Rishabdev is mentioned in all the Vaishnava/ Shaiva Puranas, as well as in the Bhagvata Purana. The Bhagvata Purana says:
Ashtame Merudevyam tu nabherjath urukrameh Darshyan varm dheeranam sarva shraman namaskritam (In the womb of Merudevi, wife of Nabhi, Rishabh had his eighth avatar. He showed himself in a form that is to be worshipped by all
Shramanas.) Bhagavata calls him "Shareer matra parigrah" (body his only possession), "gagan paridhaneh" (wearing the sky), “ vatarshana"
(wearing the wind). According to the Bhagavata, he was born to show the people of this world the path of salvation. It was he who advised the people to follow the path of eternal bliss, instead of indulging in a life of worldly pleasures and enjoyment. He is the founder and promoter of shramanic (monastic) culture.
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