How did aadinath bhagwan became 1st tirthankara
In Jain belief, Aadīnātha Bhagwān Rishabhanātha (Adinath) is the first Tirthankara of the present avasarpini (descending time cycle). He is considered the founder of the Jain dharma in this era. The basic outline is:
- birth: He was born to King Nabhi (Nabhirāja) and Queen Marudevī in Ayodhyā (Vinīta). This makes him the progenitor of the Ikṣvāku dynasty and the first great teacher of this era.
- renunciation and teaching: After ruling righteously and teaching humanity, he renounced worldly life, distributed his kingdom to his sons, and became an ascetic. He delivered sermons and established the fourfold Jain sangha (monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen), guiding people on right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
- enlightenment and moksha: He undertook intense penance, attained kevala jñāna (omniscience), and became a Tirthankara who shows the path to liberation. He finally attained moksha (liberation) at Mount Ashtapad.
- symbol and legacy: His emblem is the bull, and he is revered as the “first teacher” who began the Jain spiritual order in this time cycle.
Note: Digambar and Śvetāmbara traditions both regard Adinath/Rishabhanātha as the first Tirthankara, although their narratives may vary in details and emphasis.