In Jain tradition there is no problem or “defect” here at all.

1. Before Diksha, Neminath was not yet Kevali (omniscient)

- A Tirthankar, before taking diksha, is a very pure and compassionate jeev with special spiritual development, but not yet endowed with Keval‑jnan (complete omniscience). - Omniscience arises after intense spiritual effort and destruction of karmas, not simply because someone is destined to become a Tirthankar. - So as Prince Nemkumār (Arishtanemi), he did not know every detail of everything the way a Kevali knows.

1. What exactly happens in the wedding story

- When his wedding procession is going towards Rajul’s palace, - He hears the cries of animals and asks the charioteer what is happening. - The charioteer tells him: these animals and birds are going to be killed for the wedding feast. - At that moment, his compassion is powerfully awakened, he realizes the cruelty involved, and he immediately turns the chariot back, frees the animals, and decides to renounce the world.

So the story itself clearly shows: - He comes to know about the killing on the way, when he hears the cries and asks. - It is this newly known detail that becomes the turning point for his renunciation.

1. About Rajul’s family and non‑veg food

- The main Jain versions say that animals were arranged to be slaughtered for the royal wedding feast. - The purpose of the story is not to prove whether they “always” ate meat or not, but to show: - Even if society or family thinks such killing is “normal” for celebrations, - A truly compassionate soul like Neminath cannot accept even one feast built on violence. - Different texts and traditions describe the royal customs slightly differently, but all agree that the animals for the feast became the direct cause of his renunciation.

1. Does this lower Neminath Bhagwan’s greatness?

- No. In Jain dharma, greatness is shown by choice at the right moment: - He is about to get a grand kingdom, royal pleasures, and a beloved wife. - Just by hearing the cries of animals, he gives all of it up instantly for ahimsā and moksha. - This is exactly why he is revered: unmatched sensitivity to suffering and immediate renunciation.

So, according to Jain philosophy:

• As a prince, he did not have Keval‑jnan yet, so detailed foreknowledge of such arrangements is not required.
• When he came to know about the killing for his wedding, his pure compassion made him reject the marriage and the entire worldly life.

You can read a simple explanation of Neminath–Rajul’s wedding incident and renunciation here: