DWC-E-020-BHAGWAN NEMINATH

BHAGWAN NEMINATH
Bhagwan Neminath (Arishtanemi), the 22nd Jain Tirthankar of this cycle of time, was born to Queen Shivadevi, the wife of King Samudravijai, the Yadav king of Soriyapur. Vasudev was Samudravijai's younger brother. His two wives Rohini and Devki gave birth to Baldev Balram and Vaasudev Shrikrishna respectively. These three great Yadavs of that era, with there divine deeds, added to the glory of the Harivamsh clan and also became instrumental in propagating Dharm throughout the expanse of India.
Bhagwan Neminath had a unique combination of exemplary courage and valor as well as extreme compassion. His life was free of attachments and vices. It was as untainted as a lotus flower. His conduct was universally beneficent as if it was the Ganges of com- passion and Ahimsa. Freeing the Yadav clan of its vices of hunting and consuming meat and alcohol to accept the pious way of life was one of his memorable achievements. He bolstered his message of vegetarianism and universal clemency by his own conduct of self-sacrifice. Vaasudev Shrikrishna assisted him in spreading his message. That is the reason that the teachings of Bhagwan Arishtanemi find an important place in the Vedic literature also. In Yajurveda there are Mantras for offerings to him as the originator of the Adhytma Veda and benefactor of all beings. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan has accepted him as a historical figure without any hesitation.
The details about the life of Bhagwan Neminath are available in the Aagam litera- ture, later commentaries, as well as the biographical works. Although there are small variations in some incidents due to sectarian splits, everyone has treated his ideal con- duct of Ahimsa and conduct with same respect and fervor. The entwined story of Rajimati has also been presented with equal eloquence. The puritan love of Rajimati has an aston- ishing inspiring power due to its inherent attributes of sacrifice, asceticism, virtuosity, and sagacity. Here the pious life-story of Bhagwan Neminath is given in brief by Munishri Purnachandra Vijai Ji, the scholarly disciple of Acharyashri Kalapurna Surishvar ji.
            -Srichand Surana 'Saras'

• Diwakar Chitra Katha   
• Title : BHAGWAN NEMINATH
• Serial: 20
• No. Of Pages : 36
• Language : English
• Publisher : Shree Diwakar Prakashan
• First Published On : ……