Past births of Lord Rishabhdev

Here is the traditional Jain view on the past births (janmāntaras) of Bhagwān Rishabhdev (Ādināth):

• Number of past births: As with all Tīrthankars, Rishabhdev’s soul completed 27 purva-janmas (previous births) before the final human birth in which he became a Tīrthankar. This sequence shows a steady purification of karma through lives as householders, kings, ascetics, and devas, culminating in Tīrthankar-nāmakarma’s fruition.

• First recorded birth in this cycle: Dhana, a wealthy and virtuous merchant of Kṣitipratishṭhita in Videha. This is described to illustrate how generosity, right faith, and restraint begin the upward spiritual journey. ( jainknowledge.com)

• Penultimate birth (just before his final descent): A celestial (deva) in Sarvārthasiddhi heaven. From there, the soul descended into the womb of Queen Marudevī. ( jainknowledge.com)

• Final birth as Tīrthankar: Born to King Nābhirāja and Queen Marudevī in Ayodhyā (Vinītā). After completing the householder’s life and vast dāna, he accepted dīkṣā, attained Keval-jñān, and finally nirvāṇa. ( jainknowledge.com)

Notes on traditions

• Digambar and Śvetāmbara traditions agree on the core framework above (27 prior births, first birth as Dhana the merchant, penultimate birth in heaven, and the final life details). Minor narrational details and emphasis may vary in their Purāṇas/charitras, but the spiritual essence remains the same.

If you wish to read the narrative forms preserved for lay readers:

• First incarnation as the merchant Dhana: ( jainknowledge.com)
• Highlights from Rishabhdev’s life and kalyāṇaks: and ( jainknowledge.com)

This preserves the authentic Jain understanding: countless karmas are shed across 27 elevating births, ending with the auspicious final human birth as Bhagwān Rishabhdev, the first Tīrthankar of the present avasarpinī.