Answer

Yes, in Jain tradition, Jain Dharma is considered anādi — beginningless. It was not “created” by Bhagwan Adinath.

Bhagwan Adinath, also known as Rishabhdev Bhagwan, is the first Tirthankar of the present time-cycle in our region of the universe. He re-established and taught the path of Jain Dharma for this era.

Explanation

According to Jain Dharma, time has no beginning and no end. It moves in endless cycles. In every suitable time-cycle, Tirthankars appear and reveal the eternal truths of:

• Ahimsa — non-violence
• Satya — truthfulness
• Aparigraha — non-possessiveness
• Right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct
• Liberation from karma and rebirth

So, before Adinath Bhagwan, the eternal truth of Dharma existed. However, in the present descending time-cycle, Adinath Bhagwan was the first Tirthankar to re-establish the path for human society.

Spiritual Understanding

Jain Dharma is not viewed as a religion founded at one historical moment. It is the eternal path of the soul’s purification. Tirthankars do not invent Dharma; they realize it perfectly and compassionately teach it again when it has been forgotten.

Takeaway

Before Adinath Bhagwan, Jain Dharma existed as eternal truth. Adinath Bhagwan is revered as the first Tirthankar who re-established Jain Dharma in the present time-cycle.