The Aadi Purana was composed by Jinasena (a Digambara Monk) as a Sanskrit poem praising the life of the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha. According to Jain tradition, it was written in the 9th century CE.
The work focuses on a soul’s journey to perfection and the attainment of Mukti in its distinctive way. The book depicts the battle between two brothers, Bharata and Bahubali, sons of Rishabhadeva, for dominance and dominion over the entire world. While Bahubali triumphs, he chooses to put his worldly ambitions aside in favor of his brother. This work served as a model for many Middle Age Jaina Puranas.
