Bharata: Biography, Facts and Career

In Jainism, Bharata was the first chakravartin (lit. 'holder of a chakra', i.e., emperor) of the Avasarpini (present half-time cycle). He was the eldest son of Rishabhanatha, the first tirthankara. The ancient name of India was named Bhāratavarsha or Bhārat or Bharata-bhumi after him. He had two sons from his chief-empress Subhadra, named Arkakirti and Marichi. He is said to have conquered all six parts of the world and to have engaged in a fight with Bahubali, his brother, to conquer the last remaining city of the world. According to the Digambara sub-tradition of Jainism, in his later years, he renounced the world, led an ascetic life, and attained kevala jnana (omniscience). According to the Śvetāmbara Jains, he attained kevala jnana (omniscience) after which he renounced the world. He gained kevala jnana when he came to believe that the human body lacked beauty and renounced the world as a kevalajnani (omniscient), and then attained moksha.

Quick facts about Bharata

• Full name: Bharata
• Nationality: India
• Known as: Royal
• Wikidata ID: Q21006135

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