Word

Adipurana

Sanskrit

आदिपुराण

IAST

ādipurāṇa

In General

Adipurana is a 9th century Sanskrit poem composed by Jinasena, a Digambara monk. It deals with the life of Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara of Jains. Rishabhanatha is same sage said as Rishabha deva of Hindu Puranas, so, adipurana is considered as a common heritage of Hindus and Jains. The 10th-century Kannada poet Pampa rendered the work in Champu style (a mix of prose and verse) in Kannada and is quiet popular.

Adipurana deals with the life story of lord Rsabhadeva, and his ten incarnations, besides the life sketches of Bharata and Bahubali. The two brothers Bharata and Bahubali, the sons of Rishabhadeva were in power struggle to become King. Though Bahubali wins, he renounces the worldly pursuits for spiritual endeavor.

Adipurana gives lot of information on ancient Jaina traditions, culture, history, besides the ancient geography of the country.

Purana

Adipurana has got a second part called as Uttara Purana written by Gunabhadra, the disciple of Jnasena and the two together form Mahapurana of Jains.