Answer

In Jain tradition, Raja Rishabhdev, also known as Adinath Bhagwan, is understood to have taught people many basic arts and skills needed for civilized life. Among these, he taught pāk-kalā, meaning the art of preparing food or cooking.

Explanation

Before Rishabhdev Bhagwan’s time, people lived in a simpler manner and did not have organized social systems. Jain tradition describes that Bhagwan Rishabhdev guided human society by teaching essential life-skills such as:

• Agriculture
• Writing and counting
• Crafts and occupations
• Social organization
• Food preparation, including pāk-kalā

Through pāk-kalā, people learned how to prepare food properly instead of living only on naturally available resources. This helped society become more organized and disciplined.

Spiritual Understanding

Rishabhdev Bhagwan’s teaching of pāk-kalā was not merely about cooking. It showed that human life should be lived with order, responsibility, and awareness.

In Jain Dharma, food is connected with self-control, compassion, and purity. Later, Jain teachings emphasize that food should be prepared and consumed with care, non-violence, and restraint.

Takeaway

Raja Rishabhdev taught pāk-kalā as part of guiding humanity from an unorganized way of living toward a disciplined and cultured life, while laying the foundation for a dharmic way of living.