Adinatha
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Adinatha founded Jainism. He was the first of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras.
Mythology
Adinatha was born to Kosala king Nabhi and queen Marudevi in Ayodhya in the Ikshvaku dynasty. He was also known as Rishabh of Kosala. Adinatha is believed to have two wives: Yashasvati and Sunanda. Bharata and Brahmi were born to Yashasvati. Baahubali and Sundari were born to Sunanda. Adinatha imparted his daughters Brahmi the writing skills and Sundari the science of numbers. Brahmi script was derived accordingly. India is known as Bharatavarsha and Bharatakhanda, named after Bharata, the eldest son of Adinatha. In his old age, Adinatha underwent severe penance in the Himalayas and attained liberation.
Other Names
- Rishabhanatha
- Rishabhadeva
- Arugan
Temples
A large number of Adinatha temples are in Viluppuram, Tiruvanamalai and Kancheepuram districts.
- Thyaga Durgam Malaiamman Temple
- Agalur Adinathar Temple
- Veedur Adinathar Temple
- Puzhal Adinathar Temple
- Ponnur Adinathar Temple
- Othalapadi Aniyadha Azhagar Temple
- Poondi Ponninathar Temple
- Uppuvellore Adinathar Temple
- Kizhl Idayalam Rishabhanathar Temple
- Kunnathur Rishabhanathar Temple
- Mudalur Adinathar Temple
- Melmalayanur Rishabhanathar Temple
- Villukam Adinathar Temple
- Thachur Adinathar Temple
Sculpture
Adinatha’s sculpture usually depicts him sitting in penance with a three-umbrella structure over his head and Samaradaris on both sides. Nandhi is the symbol of Adinatha.
Literature
Adinathar Pillaithtamil was written before 1600 C.E by an unknown author. This was a poetic volume centering King Adinatha heroically who ruled the country out of Vidanapuri known as Ayodhya.
