Could you imagine standing before Bharat Kshter? Here, in Delhi, stands a place linked to an emperor of Jain legend. Let’s uncover the story of Bharat Kshter and the emperor it commemorates.
Bharat was the first Chakravartin. This means he was the universal monarch of this half-time cycle according to Jainism. He was the eldest son of Rishabhanatha. Rishabhanatha was the first Tirthankara, a spiritual teacher. The ancient name of India, Bharatavarsha, comes from Bharat’s name. It is also known as Bharat or Bharata-bhumi.
Bharat had two sons with his chief-empress Subhadra. Their names were Arkakirti and Marichi. He is said to have conquered all six parts of the world. After that he fought with his brother Bahubali. The fight was to conquer the last remaining city.
The Digambara Jains say Bharat renounced the world later in life. He lived as an ascetic and gained Kevala Jnana. Kevala Jnana means omniscience. The Svetambara Jains say he gained Kevala Jnana first. After that he renounced the world. He realized the human body lacked beauty. He then became a Kevalajnani and attained Moksha. Moksha is liberation.
One night, Yasasvati Devi had auspicious dreams. She was the senior-most queen of Rishabhanatha. She dreamed of the sun and moon. Also, she saw Mount Meru. She saw a lake with swans, the earth, and the ocean. Rishabhanatha said the dreams meant a Chakravartin ruler would be born. This ruler would conquer the world.
Bharata was born on the ninth day. It was the dark half of the month of Chaitra. He was a Kshatriya. He was born in the Ikshvaku dynasty. His education focused on law and polity. He also liked dancing and art. Bharata married many princesses. Subhadra was his main queen. His son Arka Kirti succeeded him. He founded the Suryavansha. Another son, Marichi, was an incarnation of Mahavira. Mahavira was the twenty-fourth Tirthankara.
Bharat is believed to be the first law-giver. This was for the current half-cycle in Jain tradition. He added the fourth Varna. These were the Brahmins. Rishabhanatha had created three Varnas before. They were Ksatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. The Brahmins meditated, learned, taught, and sought knowledge.
Digambara texts say Bharat became a Jain monk. He realized he was aging because of a white hair. He destroyed his karmas quickly. This happened within forty-eight minutes. Then he attained Kevala Jnana. Svetambara accounts say he gained omniscience. This happened after his father died.
India was named after Bharat. Hindu scriptures like Adipurana say this. The Skanda Purana says the same. Some Jain temples have images of Bharat as a monk. One is at Shravanabelagola. The Koodalmanikyam Temple in Kerala was a Jain temple. It was dedicated to Bharat. In 2017, a tall statue of Bharat was erected. It is in Mangalgiri, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh.
As you stand here at Bharat Kshter remember Emperor Bharat. He embodies renunciation and righteousness. His legacy shaped ancient India. It continues to inspire many today. Bharat Kshter stands as a reminder of his impact. It is a place of reflection.