In Jainism, there are two main views about who attained moksha first in the current time cycle (avasarpini):

• Śvetāmbara tradition: Marudevi, the mother of Rishabhanatha, is said to have attained moksha first in this avasarpini, just as her son was being described with his samavasarana. This is a canonical position in Śvetāmbara accounts. You can read a summary of the early first Tirthankaras and related events here.

• Digambara tradition (and common Jain teaching about Rishabhanatha): Rishabhanatha (Adinatha), the first Tirthankara, attained kevala jnana (omniscience) after his great penance, and then Moksha at Mount Ashtapad (Kailash). This is the predominant view for the very first Tirthankara in many Digambara and general Jain traditions. You can read a concise outline of Rishabhanatha’s path here.

What “how” means in brief:

• Both traditions agree that the first Tirthankara attained enlightenment through intense penance and right conduct.
• Moksha is achieved when the soul is freed from all karmas and cycle of birth and death.

Note: Rishabhanatha is traditionally honored as the first Tirthankara in this era, with different traditions offering slightly different details about who first attained moksha.