Rishbhdev 72 Kala images in detail
Rishabhdev (Adinath) is often depicted in a traditional Jain art cycle called the 72 kalā (stages). Each kalā represents a specific episode or aspect from his life, from his miraculous birth and princely life to renunciation, kevala jñāna (omniscience), teaching, and final nirvāṇa. The kalās are used in temple wall-paintings and panel-art to narrate his life in a chronological sequence. There are small differences between Digambar and Śvetambar iconography in how some kalās are shown or interpreted, but the overall idea remains the same: a curated sequence of life-events that illustrate the path of a Tirthankara.
What you’ll typically find in a 72-kalā cycle
- Beginning with Rishabhdev’s miraculous birth and early life, followed by moments that symbolize his renunciation and ascent to omniscience.
- Episodes that highlight key events of his teachings, compassion, and governance as a Tirthankara.
- Final panels that depict his nirvāṇa and the influence of his teachings on future generations.
If you want, I can guide you to specific JainKnowledge pages that discuss the Rishabhanath kalā tradition (and point to image collections) and note the differences between Digambar and Śvetambar presentations. You can read more here