Dashakam 020 Rishabha Yogishwara

Dashakam 20 is significant for narrating the story of King Nabhi and the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Rishabhadeva, who is regarded as a divine sage and a minor incarnation of the Lord. It begins with King Nabhi performing a yajna (sacrifice) with his queen Merudevi, seeking a blessing for a child. During this sacrifice, the Lord appears and promises to be born as their son. Accordingly, Lord Narayana incarnates as Rishabhadeva, bringing joy and prosperity to the people.

Key points of Dashakam 20 include:

• The lineage from King Priyavrata to King Nabhi, who rules Jambudvipa and performs the sacrificial yajna.

• The divine assurance that the Lord himself will be born as Nabhi's son, symbolizing direct divine intervention and grace.

• The birth of Rishabhadeva, who rules the world with great righteousness and spiritual power.

• Rishabhadeva's spiritual dominion includes overcoming the challenge of Indra withholding rain, illustrating his yogic power and divine authority.

• The familial details where Rishabhadeva's hundred sons, including Bharatha, assume roles in sustaining dharma; some become rulers, Brahmins, or yogis.

• Rishabhadeva's teachings emphasize renunciation, devotion to Lord Narayana, and the path to spiritual liberation.

• Finally, Rishabhadeva's renunciation and spiritual journey to merge with the Lord through austere penance and self-immolation in a forest fire conclude this Dashakam.

Thus, Dashakam 20 highlights the importance of this divine incarnation as a sage-king who upholds cosmic and social order, spirituality, and renunciation, underscoring Lord Narayana's active role in guiding and sustaining creation through incarnations beyond the cosmic creation narratives described in earlier Dashakams.

This chapter forms an important link in the Narayaneeyam's broader narrative, celebrating divine grace, spiritual leadership, and the path of devotion and renunciation reflected in the life of Rishabhadeva.

Namaskarams and Dhanyavadaha to Smt Savithri Ramesh and Smt Asha Murarka for their help.