Srimad Bhagavatam - Lord Narayana's descent as Rishabha Deva
Rishabha Deva (one of the 21 avatars of Lord Narayana) was born to King Nabhi and Merudevi. King Nabhi is the son of Agnidhra, grandson of Priyavrata and great-grandson of Prajapati Swayambhu Manu.
Desirous of obtaining a son, King Nabhi performed a sacrifice with full devotion. Pleased with his devotion, Srihari appeared in His beautiful form with crown, ornaments, conch, lotus, lotus, and discus.
The priests performing the Yagna offered prayers to the Lord and requested him to grant progeny to their king who would be equivalent to Him. The Lord said “Since none can be equivalent to Him, I shall descend and be born as his son.
At the designated time, a baby boy was born to Merudevi with marks of divinity (figure of a thunderbolt, goad in the soles). Seeing His glory and strength, King Nabhi named him Rishabha, the foremost. He was also known as Aja.
The Brahmanas, Gods and people were eager to see Him rule over the world. King Nabhi, at the appropriate time, installed Rishabha Deva as the king and left for the woods.
Once Indra envied Him and did not rain in his land. Rishabha deva, on knowing it, laughed heartily which led to downpour throughout his land. Hence this land was known as Ajanabha.
Rishabha Deva married Jayanthi, the daughter of Indra, and had a hundred sons, the eldest being Bharata.
Rishabha Deva was eternally free from all evils through performing actions like an ordinary mortal. He taught by His own example the duties that have been forgotten over time. For, as a rule, the world blindly follows whatever is done by the leader.
When Rishabha deva ruled nobody ever sought for one’s own use on any account whatsoever from another. They had a profound love for their ruler. None envied another's property.
His sons were self-controlled, thoroughly disciplined by virtue and devoted to their divine father.
Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana
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