Is there any book to read to understand teachings of rishabhdev?
Yes. To understand the teachings and life of Bhagwan Rishabhdev (Adinath), these are the main traditional texts:
- For Digambar tradition
- Ādi Purāṇa – by Āchārya Jinasena - A major granth describing in detail the life, conduct and teachings of Rishabhdev as the first Tirthankar. - Uttara Purāṇa – by Āchārya Guṇabhadra - Continuation/completion of Ādi Purāṇa; together they give a full picture of his life, dharma, and his role in establishing society (72 kalā, etc.). - Padma Purāṇa (Digambar) – also contains important narrations related to him.
- For Shwetambar tradition
- Triṣaṣṭi-śalākā-puruṣa-charitra – by Āchārya Hemachandra - The first part of this work describes Bhagwan Rishabhanath’s birth, renunciation, keval-jnān, and dharmopdesh in a systematic way. - In addition, various “Adinath Bhagwan / Rishabhdev Bhagwan charitra” booklets (small lives of Tirthankars) published by Shwetambar Jain trusts are based on these original sources.
- If you want very simple language
- You can start with short Hindi/vernacular booklets from your local Jain sangh or temple library titled like: - “Adinath Bhagwan ka Jeevan Charitra” - “Rishabhdev Bhagwan ke Updesh” - These are usually simplified retellings of the above main granths, keeping Jain tattva intact.
For a brief, easy overview of his birth and life you can also read here: