Some Aspects of Jainism in Eastern India

Author(s): Pranabananda Jash
Publisher: Munshiram Manoharlal Publisher's Pvt Ltd New Delhi

Page 43

Twenty-Four Tirtharkaras and Their Activities and Teachings
27
Pārsva was the founder of Jainism. Jaina tradition is unanimous in making Rşabha, the first tirthcnkara (its founder)... There may be something historical in the tradition which makes him the first tirthankara."32
As regards the religious activities and historical events in the lives of the tirthankaras right from second to twenty-first our sources of information are conspicuously silent. It is rather unwise to make any assessment on the basis of such meagre and controversial evidences. And so far these evidences are concerned there is, in fact, nothing of importance and significance in their lives, at least, from the historical perspective to be noted.
NEMINĂTHA
The twenty-second tirthankara, Nemi or Aristanemi, is regarded by some scholars as the historical personage, while others treated him as a mythical one. He is referred to in the Pāli literature. The Dhammika-sutta of the Anguttaranikāya speaks of Aranemi as one of the six tirthankaras (sathare tirthankara).33 Nagendranath Vasu in his introduction to the Harivarśa-purāņa argued in favour of the historicity of Lord Nemi.34 He is referred to as a cousin of Lord Kțşņa.35 Nemi, son of Samudravijaya by Sivā was born in Sauripura. Samudravijaya is described as the eldest brother of Vasudeva 3e Neminātha was younger in age than Krsna Vāsudeva, the son of Vasudeva.
The Jaina Harivamsa affords us an interesting episode relating to Nemi's strength, valour and prowess. It is stated that while Krsna was sitting in the council chamber with his relatives and friends, Neminātha appeared there. Krşna rising up from his seat, went forward to welcome him. Neminātha occupied the chair which Krşņa was occupying. Councillors began to discuss among themselves as to who was the strongest person in the world. They mentioned in this connection several names like Bhima, Arjuna, Krşņa, etc., but Baladeva uttered that none was so strong as Neminātha. Hearing this Kļşņa requested the latter to have a trial of strength hrough a wrestling bout with him. Neminātha replied, 'Oh elder brother, if you want to test my strength you try to move my feet from this throne'. Krşņa failed to do so and from that occasion he showed greater regards for him.37 Elsewhere Kļşņa asked his