Answer

In Jain tradition, Bhagwan Adinath, also known as Bhagwan Rishabhdev, is remembered as the first Tirthankar of the present Avasarpini era and the great teacher who introduced civilized human life.

The 72 Kala traditionally refer to the 72 arts, skills, and branches of practical knowledge taught to men by Bhagwan Adinath. These skills helped human society move from a natural, unorganized way of living into a disciplined and cultured social life.

Explanation

Before Bhagwan Adinath, people lived very simply and did not fully understand organized livelihood, social duties, or refined skills. Bhagwan Adinath taught humanity essential arts and professions such as:

• Agriculture
• Writing and counting
• Craftsmanship
• Trade and commerce
• Cooking and food preparation
• Protection and administration
• Music and arts
• Construction and household skills
• Use of tools and practical sciences

According to Jain tradition:

• Bhagwan Adinath taught 72 arts to men.
• He taught 64 arts to women.
• He taught different forms of knowledge and livelihood so that society could function with order, dignity, and responsibility.

However, the exact named list of all 72 Kalas varies across later traditional sources and regional retellings. Because of this variation, it is important not to present one uncertain list as the only authentic Jain scriptural list.

Spiritual Understanding

The importance of the 72 Kala is not merely worldly education. It shows that Bhagwan Adinath guided humanity in two ways:

• Worldly welfare: teaching people how to live, work, organize society, and support one another.
• Spiritual welfare: later showing the path of renunciation, self-discipline, non-violence, and liberation.

This reflects the compassionate role of a Tirthankar. A Tirthankar does not only teach religion in a narrow sense; he establishes a path that helps living beings progress from disorder to discipline, and from worldly life toward moksha.

Takeaway

The 72 Kala of Bhagwan Adinath represent the foundation of civilized skills and social order taught by the first Tirthankar. Their deeper message is that knowledge should support right living, responsibility, non-violence, and ultimately spiritual progress.