Rishabhanatha, also known as Adinath, is regarded in Jainism as the first Tirthankara of the current cosmic cycle. He is the spiritual teacher who revived and established the Jain dharma, teaching the path to liberation (moksha) and laying down the code of conduct for Jain monks and laypeople. He is traditionally said to have attained kevala jnana (omniscience) and to have lived a long life during which he preached dharma.

Key points:

• Also called Adinath (the first great teacher) and Rishabhdev.
• Considered the founder of the Jain ascetic and ethical framework that later Tirthankaras followed.
• His teachings emphasize non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha).

Note: In both Digambara and Śvetāmbara traditions, his position as the first Tirthankara is acknowledged, though there are differences in legends and details about his life stories.