[Manish Jain]

Summary of Ādi Purāṇa, Parva 1, Shlokas 2 to 15
Shlokas 2-15 glorify Lord Jina’s illuminating wisdom, the triumph of Jain doctrine, and the exemplary life of Ṛṣabhanātha. They narrate his renunciation, ascetic rigor, attainment of omniscience, and role as a spiritual pioneer who inspired countless followers and established the path to liberation.

• Shloka 2: Reverence is offered to Lord Jina, likened to a radiant sun, who dispels the darkness of ignorance with the brilliance of all-pervading knowledge, illuminating the world.
  
• Shloka 3: The invincible glory of the Jina’s doctrine (Jainism) is praised, which refutes false beliefs, shines with rational knowledge, and serves as the primary path to liberation.
  
• Shloka 4: The Three Jewels (Ratnatraya)—Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct—are hailed as an unconquerable weapon, through which Lord Jina defeated the army of sins.
  
• Shlokas 5-15: These verses collectively extol Lord Ṛṣabhanātha, the first Tirthankara:
  • He renounced worldly grandeur, deeming it trivial, and embraced asceticism, inspiring thousands of kings from noble lineages like Ikṣvāku to follow him (5-6).
    
  • His impeccable conduct led weaker kings to adopt austere forest lives, wearing bark and eating roots (7).
    
  • He endured hardships and practiced severe penance, burning karmas through meditation, his matted hair glowing like smoke from a sacred fire (8-9).
    
  • His wandering for righteousness appeared to gods and demons like a moving golden mountain (10).
    
  • Deities showered jewels when he received alms, and after conquering destructive karmas, he attained supreme Kevala Jñāna, illuminating the universe (11-12).
    
  • He preached the dharma that destroys karma, enlightening worthy souls, and inspired figures like Marīci (Bharata’s son) to dance in devotion (13-14).
    
  • The verses conclude with heartfelt salutations to Ṛṣabhanātha, the Ādideva (primal deity), son of Nābhirāja, marked by the bull emblem (15).