Shri Rishabhdev Digamber Jain Mandir, Ayodhya Badi Murti, Raiganj, Ayodhya (U.P.)

According to Jain scriptures Ayoddhya is an immortal place where Teerthankars keep taking birth. Out of present chaubeesee (24 Teerthankars) five were born in Ayoddhya. As per Jain scriptures this town was designed by Kuber (Damon) by the order of Saudharm Indra (King of heaven), there after the parents of Bhagvan Rishabh Deo settled here. At this place Rishabh Deo’s Garbh, Janm and Deeksha Kalyanak were celebrated. Lord Rishabh Deo initiated Karm-Yug on the day Aasharh Krishna Pratipada and imparted the knowledge of Asi(weapons), Masi (Art of Writing language), Krishi (Agriculture), Vidya (Dance and Music and Arts), Shilp (Creation and Construction) and Vanijya (Commerce). He invented script and numerology while teaching his daughters, Brahmi and Sundari. This is the place where he taught 72 arts to his sons including Bharat and Bahubali. For the proper functioning of society, he established three varna – Kshatria, Vaishya and Shoodra here. Brahmin Varna was established by his son Bharat Chakravarty. Lord Rishabh Deo divided the whole country in 52 Janpads (district) for the convenience of ruling and administration. He also gave the credit of initiating the Dharm-Marg (the path of self-perception, self-welfare) to this city by accepting Muni-Deeksha (monk-hood, to be ascetic). After him, second Teerthankar Ajit Nath, 4th Abhinandan Nath, 5th sumati Nath and 14th Teerthankar Anant Nath also took birth here. Here at Ayoddhya, 18 Kalyanak Mahotsava were organized related to above five Teerthankars. In this way Ayoddhya has the great importance from the point of view of Jain Dharma. Besides this, Ayoddhya is world famous for Maryada Purushottam Lord Ram. Lord Ram was famous for the protection of popular morals, paternal devotion, solidarity and other ideals. Through his character, he greatly / deeply influenced the Indian Culture. Ram-Rajya is still remembered as an ideal example of the administration of a state.