Marudevi
Mother of Rishabhanatha
Biography
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The basics
Quick Facts
| Intro | Mother of Rishabhanatha | ||||
| A.K.A. | Maru | ||||
| A.K.A. | Maru | ||||
| is | Queen | ||||
| Work field | Royals | ||||
| Gender |
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| Religion: | Jainism | ||||
| Family |
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The details
Biography
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Marudevī was the mother of the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha and the queen of King Nabhi.
Birth of Rishabhanatha
The enlivening of the embryo through the descent of the future Tīrthankara's soul in the mortal body is celebrated as Garbha Kalyānaka At this time, Queen Marudevi dreamt sixteen auspicious dreams. King Nabhirāja (who was said to be endowed with clairvoyance) explained the significance of these dreams in the morning.
| Dreams (According to Digambara traditions) | Interpretation by Nābhirāja (He refers to Rishabhanatha) |
|---|---|
| 1. A white mighty elephant the sound of whose voice was like thunder and whose trunk was moist with temple-fluid. | He will be the preceptor of the preceptors, to be worshiped by the devas. |
| 2. A magnificent bull, whiter than the petals of the lotus and having a beautiful form. | The dream foretold the birth of a great religious Teacher who would spread the light of knowledge. |
| 3. A ferocious, white lion possessing immense strength and with thick cluster of hairs on the neck. | He will be strong as the lion, in overcoming all enemies. |
| 4. Goddess Lakshmi’s anointment (abhiśeka) with water out of golden pitchers, by two large guardian elephants. | He will be the Supreme Being in the three worlds and that the devas will perform his abhiśeka at Mount Meru. |
| 5. Two garlands of fragrant flowers over which were hovering black bees intoxicated with the fragrance. | He will be the Founder of true Faith whose fragrance will spread all-around |
| 6. Full moon surrounded by stars. | He will bring soothing peace and happiness to all beings |
| 7. Sight of the radiant, rising sun in the east, obscuring the lustre of all other lights. | He will dispel the darkness of ignorance |
| 8. The eighth dream saw two fishes playing gloriously in a lovely pool of water, full of lotuses. | He will bring propitious outcomes for all living beings. |
| 9. She saw two golden pitchers with lotuses on the top. | He will possess the treasure of superior qualities, including excellent meditation. |
| 10. She saw an effulgent lake filled with water shining like liquid gold due to the floating remains of yellow lotus leaves | He will have the most auspicious form and body. |
| 11. She saw an ocean whose strong waves were breaking into small white sprays. | He will attain superior nine accomplishments (navalabdhi) and omniscience. |
| 12. She then saw a very big, resplendent, golden throne set with bright diamonds and rubies. | He will become the World Teacher |
| 13. The thirteenth dream was the sight of a jewel-bedecked heavenly plane of the devas which shone like the morning sun. | He will descend from the heaven to take birth on this earth. |
| 14. The next dream was the rising residence of Nāgendra, the lord of the devas of the Nāgakumāra clan. | He will be born with clairvoyance |
| 15. A very large heap of glittering jewels whose brightness illuminated the sky. | He will be the embodiment of Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct. |
| 16. The last dream was the sight of a blazing, bright fire with smokeless flame. | He will burn up the entire karmas associated with His soul with the fire of pure meditation. |
After these sixteen dreams she saw a large, beautiful bull entering her open mouth, indicative of a pious and extraordinary soul entering her womb.
In literature
Marudevi is mentioned in the Hindu scripture Bhagavata Purana as mother of Rishabhanatha.