According to Jain tradition, Lord Rishabdev (also known as Adinath), the first Tirthankara, practiced and taught the principle of self-realization and worship of the true Self (Atma). In Jain scriptures, it is mentioned that Lord Rishabdev did not worship any external deity or entity. Instead, he meditated upon and realized the pure soul within (the true nature of the self). This reflects the fundamental Jain teaching that ultimate liberation (moksha) is attained through self-realization, right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, and not through the worship of external gods or beings.

In some Jain texts, it is also described that before attaining omniscience (keval-jnana), Rishabdev engaged in deep meditation and spiritual practices, focusing on the soul and the path to liberation. Thus, Lord Rishabdev is a model for self-worship (Atma-bhakti) and self-realization in Jainism.