Among the 24 avatars of Vishnu mentioned in Srimad Bhagavad
Purana, Rishabha Avatar is the 8th incarnation. Rishabh Dev in Hinduism was the
son of king Nabhi and Marudevi. He was a great ascetic who
achieved control over the senses.
Information about the Rishabha Avatar of Vishnu is found in
the Srimad Bhagavad Purana 5th Canto - 3rd chapter.
Rishabha Avatar Story
King Nabhi was born in the lineage of Manu. Nabhi was the son
of Agnindra who was the son of Privavrat who was the son of Manu.
King Nabhi did not have any children and therefore he along
with his wife Marudevi performed intense austerities to please Vishnu to beget
a child.
Pleased with the devotion of King Nabhi, Vishnu gave him the
boon that he will be born as the son to the couple.
Thus Vishnu was born as Rishabha Dev.
The child was extremely handsome, intelligent and strong.
His courage and adherence to Dharma made the king happy and therefore he was
named Rishabh, which means unexceptionable.
Rishabha married Jayanti, the daughter of Indra.
Rishabha Jain Tirthankara
As per one account, Rishabh Dev later became the first Jain
Tirthankara. He taught people the secret of Moksha or liberation.
The belief is that offering prayers to the Rishabha form of
Vishnu will help couples in begetting health and intelligent children. He also
worshipped for healthy body.