Jainism in India

Jainism is a religion of India, emerged around 6th century BCE. Jainism is a very ancient religion As per some traditions, it is as old as the Vedic religion. The word ‘Jain’ is derived from jina or jaina which means the ‘Conqueror’.  Jainism flourished quickly where Brahmin religion was weak. Jains used the Prakrit language of the masses instead of the Sanskrit language to communicate their doctrines and ideologies easy way. Initially Jainism popular particularly among merchants and traders group. The Jain tradition has a succession of great teachers or Tirthankaras. There were 24 great teachers. The first Tirthankara (founder of Jainism)  was Rishabnatha. The 23rd Tirthankara was Parshvanatha who was born in Varanasi. He may have lived in the 8th or 7th century BC. Vardhaman Mahavira (Ikshvaku) was the 24th Tirthankara(Last). Vardhaman Mahavira At the age of 30 years, he renounced his home and become an ascetic. He practised austerity for 12 years and attained highest spiritual knowledge called Kaivalya (i.e conquered misery and happiness) at the age of 42 years. He delivered his first sermon at Pava It was delivered to his 11 disciples, known as Gandharas, who later compiled his teachings into the Agam Sutras. Jain texts document eleven Brahmanas as Mahavira’s first disciples, traditionally known as the eleven Ganadharas Indrabhuti Gautama is believed to have been their leader, and the others included Agnibhuti, Vayubhuti, Akampita, Arya Vyakta, Sudharman, Manditaputra, Mauryaputra, Acalabhraataa, Metraya, and Prabhasa. Mahavir delivers his sermons in Ardha Magadi language. According to Jain scriptures, out of the 24 Tirthankaras, five of them did not get married. The sacred texts of Jainism are collectively known as the Agamas or Agam Sutras. These texts are believed to contain the teachings of the last Tirthankara, Mahavira, and were compiled by his disciples.

Vardhaman Mahavir (540 – 468 B.C.):

Three Jewels or Triratna:

• Right Faith (Samyakdarshana)
• Right Knowledge (Samyakjnana)
• Right Action (Samyakcharita)

Pancha Mahavaratas 5 Doctrines of Jainism:

• Ahimsa: Non-injury to living being
• Satya: Do not speak a lie
• Asteya: Not to Steal
• Aparigraha: Not to acquire property
• Brahmacharya: Celibacy/Observe continence/Abstinence

Mahavira introduced the fifth vow in Jainism; the other four were inherited from previous teachers.

Five types of knowledge in Jainism:

According to Jainism, knowledge is the quality of the soul. Understanding and acquiring knowledge are attained through pramana (instruments of knowledge) and naya (points of view).

1. Mati Jnana: Knowledge gained through the activity of sense organs, including the mind.
2. Shruta Jnana: Knowledge revealed by the scriptures,learning and listening. It is indirect knowledge.
3. Avadhi Jnana: Clairvoyant perception (Extra sensory knowledge)
4. Manahparyaya Jnana: Telepathic knowledge
5. Kevala Jnana: Temporal knowledge or omniscience.(This is ultimate knowledge can be acquired by complete destruction and cessation of all Karmas)

Symbols of Jainism:

Jainism has several important symbols that have significant meaning for its followers. Here are some of the key symbols of Jainism:

Swastika :It signifies the peace and well-being of humans.

Nandyavarta :It is a large swastika with nine endpoints.

Bhadrasana :A throne is said to be sanctified by the Jaina’s feet.

Shrivasta :A mark manifested on the chest of Tirthankara’s image and signifies his pure soul.

Darpana :The mirror which reflects the inner self.

Minayugala : A couple fish which signifies the conquest over sexual urges.

Vardhamanaka :A shallow dish is used as a lamp, which shows the increase in wealth, due, and merit.

Kalasha :A pot filled with pure water.

Jain Councils:

First Jain Council:

Held at Patliputra in 3^rd Century B.C. and was presided by Sthulabhadra. He divided the Mahaveer’s teachings into 12 ‘Angas’ or sections during the first Jain Council at Pataliputra. This was accepted by Svetambaras. The Angas was written in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit language.

Second Jain Council:

Held at Vallabhi (Gujarat) in 512 A.D. and was presided by Devarddhi Kshmashramana.

Final Compilations of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas

Sects of Jainism:

Split in Jainism results it has divided into two major sects: Digambara and Svetambara. The division occurred mainly due to famine in Magadha which compelled a group led by by Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta Maurya to move to South India (Shravan Belagola) in 298 BC. During the 12 years famine, the group in South India stick to the strict practices while the group in Magadha adopted a more lax attitude and started wearing white clothes. After the end of famine, when the Southern group came back to Magadha, the changed practices led to the division of Jainism into two sects.

1. Swetambaras: White-clad (Northerners)
2. Digambaras: Sky-clad (naked without clothes) (Southerners)

Svetambara:

• Jain monks and nuns wear white clothes.
• They follow only 4 vows of Jainism (except brahmacharya).
• They Believe women can achieve liberation.
• They Believe majority of scripture preserved
• Sthulabhadra was an exponent of this sect.
• They believe that Tirthankaras can be men or women
• Believed in the validity and sacredness of the twelve Angas and sutras.

Major Sub-Sects:

Digambara:

• Meaning: Sky Lad or Naked
• Bhadrabahu was an exponent of this sect.
• Monks of this sect believe in complete nudity. Male monks do not wear clothes while female monks, known as Aryikas, wear unstitched, plain white sarees.
• Follow all five doctrines of jainism (Satya, Ahimsa, Asteya, Aparigraha and Brahmacharya).
• They believe that women cannot achieve liberation and must be reborn as men to achieve moksha
• The Digambara monks eat in a standing posture only once a day.
• They carry only two things, a peacock fur to clean the path so that no insects are killed and a water gourd to drink water.
• They do not touch images in a temple.
• The Digambaras believe that majority of scripture were lost.

Major Sub-Sects:

Minor Sub-Sects:

Gumanapantha: It was founded by Pandit Gumani Rama. According to Gumanapanaths, the Lighting of candles or lamps is strictly prohibited in Jainism temples.

Totapantha: The Totapanthas subsect results from differences between Bispantha(twenty Pantha) and Terapantha (thirteen pantha.) Thus, the followers of Totapantha follow both doctrines to some extent.

Jain Literature:

The sacred texts of Jainism are collectively known as the Agamas and Agama Sutras. These texts are believed to contain the teachings of the last Tirthankara, Mahavira, and were compiled by his disciples. Lord Mahavir’s preachings were orally and methodically compiled by his disciples, known as the Ganadharas, and elder monks, known as Srut-kevalis, into many texts (scriptures). The sacred books of the Jain religion are known as Jain Agam or Agam Sutras. They are said to be originally compiled by the Ganadharas (Chief Disciples of Mahavira). They can be broadly divided into two major categories: Canonical or religious texts called Jain Agamas or Agam and Non-canonical literary works.

11 Ganadharas: Indrabhuti Gautama (Leader), Agnibhuti, Vayubhuti, Akampita, Arya Vyakta, Sudharman, Manditaputra, Mauryaputra, Acalabhraataa, Metraya, and Prabhasa

Jain literature is classified into two major categories:

Agam Literature: Lord Mahavir’s preaching was methodically compiled by his followers into many texts. These texts are collectively known as Agamas, the sacred books of the Jain religion. Agam literature is also divided into two groups:

Ang-agama:

• These texts contain the direct preaching of Lord Mahavir. They were compiled by Ganadharas.
• Lord Mahavir’s immediate disciples were known as Ganadhara. All Ganadharas possessed perfect knowledge (keval-gyan). They orally compiled the direct preaching of Lord Mahavir into twelve main texts (sutras). These texts are known as Ang-agams.
• Ang-bahya-agams (outside of Ang-agams): These texts are expansions of Ang-agams. They were compiled by Shrutakevalin. Monks who had knowledge of a minimum of ten Purvas were known as Shrutakevalin. Shrutakevalin wrote many texts (sutras) expanding the subject matter defined in the Ang-agams. Collectively these texts are called Ang-bahya-agams meaning outside of Ang-agams.
• Shrutakevalin is a monk who has attained a high level of spiritual knowledge, specifically having knowledge of the twelve Angas (limbs) of the Jain Agamas and fourteen Purvas (ancient scriptures)
• The twelfth Ang-agam is called Drastivad. The Drastivad consists of fourteen Purva texts, also known as Purvas or Purva-agams. Among Ang-agams, Purvas were the oldest sacred texts.
• They are written in the Prakrit language.

Non-agam Literature:

• This consists of commentary and explanation of Agam literature and independent works, compiled by elder monks, nuns, and scholars.
• They are written in many languages such as Prakrit, Sanskrit, Old Marathi, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannad, Tamil, German, and English.

Types of Jain Literature:

The Jain literature is classified into two major categories: Svetambara and Digambara

Svetambara Siddhanta:

According to Svetambara tradition, the agamas were composed in the first Jain council (300 BC) at Patliputra. The canons of Svetambara are composed of twelve Angas, twelve Upangas, ten Prakirnakas, four Mulasutras, six Chedasutras, and two Chulika sutras. Acharanga Sutra is the first of twelve angas compiled based on the teachings of Mahavira. It was recompiled and edited by KshamaShraman Devardhigani.

Twelve Angas:

The Angas treat the life of the monks and are mostly made up of sermons on various themes of importance to the Jains

1. Acharanga
2. Sutrakratnga
3. Samvayanga
4. Thananga
5. Bhagavati
6. Jnatadharmkatha.
7. Upasakadasa
8. Antakritdasa
9. Anuttaraupapatikadasa
10. Prasna Vyakarana
11. Vipaka Sutra
12. Dristivada (The 12th anga is lost)

Twelve Upangas:

They are based on the Angas and are by the seers (A person of supposed supernatural insight who sees visions of the future/individuals revered for their profound spiritual insight and wisdom, particularly those who have attained enlightenment)

1. Uvavaiya-sutta
2. Raya-pasenaijja
3. Jivajivabhigama
4. Pannavana
5. Suriya-pannatti
6. Jambudvipa-pannatti
7. Canda-pannatti
8. Nirayavaliyao or Kappiya
9. Kappavadamsiao
10. Pupphaio
11. Puppha-culiao
12. Vanhi-dasao

Six Chedasutras:

Related to the behaviour of monks and nuns

1. Biha Kappa
2. Vavahara
3. Ayara-dasao
4. Nisiha
5. Jiya-kappa
6. Maha-nisiha

Four Mulasutras:

These texts provide a base in the earlier stages of monkhood

1. Dasaveyaliya-sutta
2. Avassaya-sutta
3. Uttarajjhayana-sutta
4. Pinda-Nijjutti and Ogha-Nijjutti.

Two Culikkasutras:

Enhance or decorate the meanings of Angas

1. Nandi-sutra
2. Anuyogadvara-sutra

Svetambara Texts Authors:

Hemachandra:

1. Yogasastra: It is a treatise on the rules for laypeople and ascetics written in Sanskrit
2. Salakapurusa: Describes The 63 illustrious beings each half-time cycle.
3. Parishishtaparvan: Details of the history of the earliest Jain teachers.
4. Arhanniti: It is work on politics from a Jain perspective

Shubhacandra:

• Jnanarnava, or Yogapradipadhikara is a Sanskrit text on various topics, primarily focusing on meditation.

Digambara Siddhanta:

The Digambara canon, or Siddhanta, comprises numerous texts. Two are believed to be all that remains of the original Purvas, composed in the 2nd to 3rd centuries. The two oldest scriptures are the holiest because they contain elements of the Purvas created by Mahavira’s chief disciples that captured and shaped his teachings. Both the Shatkhandagama and Kasayapahuda are highly technical works on karma

Shatkhandagama (Scripture in Six Parts):

• Written by  Pushpadanta and Bhutabali  in Prakrit language
• The Shatkhandagama, the first agama, is also known as Prathama Sruta-Skandha.
• It is a comprehensive treatise on Karma karma theory, including calculations and subdivisions.
• Dealing with karma and its connection to the soul, as well as the nature of karma.
• Written in concise prose, primarily in an aphoristic style.
• It is highly technical and widely regarded as being intended only for specialists.

It is a scripture in six parts:

1. Jiva Sthana (Categories of living beings)
2. Kshudraka Bandha (Minutiae of Bondage)
3. Bandhasvamitva (Ownership of Bondage)
4. Vedana (Perception)
5. Maha bandha (Great bondage)
6. Vargana (Divisions of Karmas)

Kasayapahuda or Kasayapranhrta: (Treatise on Passions)

• Compiled by the monk Guṇabhadra in the 2nd to 3rd century AD.
• The Kasaya-prabhṛta is written in 180 verses.
• Virasena started writing Kasayapahudain Prakrit and Sanskrit. But Jinasena finished it in 820 AD.
• It is also based on the Purvas. It deals with the passions – kasayas or attachments to things of the world.
• These passions are the result of the deluding karma – mohaniya-karma

Anuyogas (Exposition of doctrinal Aphorisms):

• Anuyogas were composed between the 2nd and 11th centuries AD.
• Language: Either in Jaina Sauraseni (a variety of Prakrit) or in Sanskrit.
• They are grouped into four categories, representing various fields of knowledge and learning.

1. Pratham-Anuyoga (Religious stories)
2. Charn-Anuyoga (conduct)
3. Karan-Anuyoga (Mathematics)
4. Dravy-Anuyoga (Philosophy)

Pratham-Anuyoga: 

Jain epics presenting Digambara versions of:

Ramayana: For example, Padma-Purana by Ravisena (7th century).

Mahabharata: For instance, Jinasena’s Harivamsa Purana (8th century).

Digambara texts:

Acharya Bhadrabahu:

• Kalpa-sutra: Contains biographies of the Jain Tirthankaras, notably Parsavanatha and Mahavira. His other works include four Chedda sutras, Bhadrabahu Samhita and Vasudevcharita

Acharya Jinaratna:

• Lilavatisara: It tells the stories of the lives of a group of souls as they pass through a series of embodiments on their way to final liberation.

Acharya Kundakunda:

• Samayasara: It expounds the Jain concepts like Karma, Asrava, Bandha, and Moksha.
• Niyamsara: It expounds on the path to liberation.
• Pravachanasara deals with correct ascetic and spiritual behaviour based on his dualism.
• All the works are in Prakrit language

Samantabhadra Swamy:

• Ratnakaranda Sravakacara: Discusses the conduct of Sravaka (Sanskrit)

Pujyapada:

• Sarvarthasiddhi: oldest commentary on the Tattvartha Sutra (Sanskrit)

Jinasena:

• Trishasthilkshana Mahapurana: Composed during the rule of Rashtrakuta ruler Amoghavarsha.
• Its first part (Adi Purana)  is written by Jinasena in Sanskrit (8th Century)
• The second part is Uttara Purana, was written by Gunabhadra in Apabhramsa (9th Century)

Jain Texts:

Acharanga Sutra: Disciplinary rules & regulations for jain monks

Bhagwati Sutra: Life of Mahavira & contain list of 16 Mahajanapadas

Antagadadasao & Anutarovavaiydasao: Life stories of Jain Monks

Vivagasuyam Sutra: Discussion on Karma phala

Parishishtaparva: Written by Hemachandra

Kalpa Sutra:(Biographies of Parshavaath,Mahavir) by Bhadrabahu Chandraguptamaurya

Tattavartha Sutra: Jain texts were written by Umaswami in Sanskrit.

Other Important Jain Texts:

Besides the Angas, there are several other important Jain texts. These texts cover a wide range of topics, including cosmology, ethics, rituals, and mythology.

• The Kalpa Sutra is a cosmological text that describes the creation, destruction, and rebirth of the universe. It is also known for its detailed accounts of the lives of the Tirthankaras or Jain teachers.
• The Bhagavati Sutra is a collection of sermons and parables attributed to Mahavira, the last Tirthankara. It is known for its emphasis on ethical conduct and spiritual liberation.
• The Uttaradhyayana Sutra is a commentary on the Angas. It is known for its detailed explanations of Jain philosophy and its practical applications.
• The Brihatkalpa Bhashya is a commentary on the Kalpa Sutra. It is known for its extensive discussions of Jain cosmology and mythology.
• The Adipurana is a collection of hagiographical stories about the lives of the Tirthankaras. It is known for its vivid descriptions and its popular appeal.
• The Trishashthi Shalaka Purusha Charita is a collection of 630 stories of exemplary Jain figures. It is known for its moral teachings and its historical importance.
• The Antagadhadasha Stotra is a hymn of praise to the ten directions. It is known for its poetic beauty and its devotional significance.
• The Niryavali is a treatise on Jain meditation. It is known for its practical guidance and its profound insights into the nature of consciousness.
• The Tattvartha Sutra is a concise summary of Jain philosophy. It is known for its clarity and its systematic presentation of Jain teachings.

Jain Architecture:

• The elements of Jain architecture are characterized by their simplicity, elegance, and emphasis on symmetry and proportion.
• With regard to architecture, the Jains adopted the local building traditions of Vaishnava and Dravidian styles while evolving their style.
• The exquisite Jain architecture consists of caves, temples, monasteries and other structures.
• In ancient times, they received great patronage under the ruling dynasties of Cholas, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas and other kingdoms.

Types of Jain architectures

Stupa (Chaitya):

• The Jains erected them for devotional purposes.
• The earliest Jain stupa was built in the 8th century BCE, before the Jina Parsvanatha.
• Structure: Jain stupa has a peculiar cylindrical three-tier structure that is quite reminiscent of the Samavasarana, by which it was replaced as an object of worship.
• As used in Jain inscriptions, the name for a stupa is the standard word “thupe”.
• Mathura Jain Stupas: A Jain stupa dated to the 1st century BCE-1st Kankali Tila moundcentury CE was excavated at Mathura in the 19th century, in the . 
• Ayagapatas: The Jain devotional reliefs, called Ayagapatas, show a probable design of the Jain stupa.
• The stupa drum is set on a high platform and accessed by a flight of stairs and an ornate torana gate, quite similar in style to the toranas of Sanchi. 
• The drum of the stupa is elongated and cylindrical and formed of three superposed tiers separated by railings and decorated bands.
• The platform may have been squared, with Persepolitan-type columns in each corner.
• On the Vasu Ayagapata, one of the Persepolitan pillars is surmounted by a Dharmachakra wheel, and the other pillar was probably surmounted by an animal, as seen in other similar Ayagapatas
• Gometeshwara/Bahubali Statue- Shravanabelagola, Karnataka
• Statue of Ahimsa(Rishabnatha)- Mangi-Tungi hills, Maharashtra

Layana (Caves):

• Caves, the earlier architecture found in Maharashtra, are of the Digambara Jain sect.
• These are found from the 6th century during the Chalukya period and continued during the Rashtrakuta period.
• Rock-cut architecture: The method of building a structure by cutting it out of raw is known as rock-cut architecture.
• It is done by excavating solid rock where it naturally exists to create structures, buildings, and sculptures.
• Temples, tombs, and caves were the principal rock-cut architecture applications
• Important Layana/Gumphas (Caves)
  • Ellora Caves (Cave No. 30-35)- Maharashtra
  • Mangi Tungi Cave- Maharashtra
  • Gajapantha Cave- Maharashtra
  • Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves- Odisha
  • Hathi-gumpha Cave- Odisha
  • Sittanavasal Cave- Tamil Nadu

Jinalaya (Temples):

• Jain temple architecture is a style of temple architecture that developed as a part of Jainism. This ancient Indian religion emphasizes on non-violence and respect for all living things.
• Each element of Jain temples, like Mandapa, Garbhagriha, Mukhmandapa, Shikhar, Devakoshta etc, are designed to create a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere for meditation and worship.
• Some key elements of Jain temple architecture include:
• Jain temples have numerous pillars with a well-designed structure, forming squares.
• The squares thus formed create chambers, which are used as small chapels and contain the image of a deity.
• From these pillars, there are richly carved brackets that emerge at about two-thirds of their height.
• The only architectural variation specific to Jain temples is the frequently seen four-faced or Chaumukh design.
• Types of Jain temples: There are mainly two types of Jain temples: Shikar-bandhi Jain temple and Ghar Jain temple.

Shikar-bandhi Jain temple:

• They are more traditional and large temples.
• Dome-like structure (Shikhar) on top.
• These temples often have multiple levels and large, elaborate entrance halls (mandapas) with intricate carvings and sculptures
• They have many marble pillars carved beautifully with demi-gold posture
• The central shrine in a Shikar-bandhi temple houses an image of a Tirthankara, and the temple serves as a gathering place for Jain devotees

Ghar Jain temple:

• These are smaller, more intimate temples meant to be used as personal shrines within a household
• These temples do not have a dome and are typically less ornate than Shikar-bandhi temples
• They are used for daily prayers and rituals.

Some Famous Jain Temples:

Dilwara Temple (Rajasthan):

• There are two major temple complexes.
• One was built around 1030 A.D. by Vimala Shah, dedicated to the first Tirthankara.
• The second one was dedicated to the Tirthankara Neminatha and was founded around 1230 A.D. by Tejapala
• Each temple complex stands in a rectangular walled area decorated with statues in niches around the circumference.
• They are famous for using pure white marble and intricate marble carvings.

Ranakpur temple (Rajasthan):

• Built by Darna Shah in 1437 CE.
• It is a Svetambara Jain temple dedicated to Tirthankara Rishabhdev.
• It is famous for its intricate carvings and unique architecture (Maru-Gurjara architecture)

Mount Mangi Tungi (Maharashtra):

• Numerous temples are considered sacred in Jainism.
• It enshrines images of Tirthankaras in several postures, including Padmasana and Kayotsarga.
• In 2016, the Statue of Ahimsa, a 108 ft idol carved in monolithic stone, was consecrated here, and it is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest Jain idol in the world.
• Ram and Hanuman attained moksha from Mount Mangi Tungi

Shikharji (Jharkhand):

• It is located on Parasnath Hill.
• important Jain Tirtha by both Digambara and Svetambara.
• It is where twenty of the twenty-four Jain Tirthankaras attained Moksha.
• The current structure of temples at Shikharji was rebuilt by Jagat Seth in 1768 CE

Khajuraho Group of Monuments (Madhya Pradesh):

• They are a group of Hindu and Jain temples.
• The Jain temples are located in the east-southeast region of the Khajuraho monuments. 
• Most were built between 885 CE and 1000 CE by the Chandela dynasty.
• The temples are famous for their Nagara-style architectural symbolism and a few erotic sculptures.
• They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Royal patrons of Jainism:

South India

• Kadamba dynasty
• Ganga dynasty
• Amoghavarsha
• Kumarapala (Chalukya dynasty)

North India

• Bimbisara
• Ajatasatru
• Chandragupta Maurya
• Bindusara
• Harshavardhana
• Ama
• Bindusara
• Kharavela

Anekantavada and Syadvada are two different philosophies in Jainism.

Anekantavada(Metaphysics):

The Jain metaphysics, called Anekantavada or the doctrine of the manyness( multiple Views about one thing) of reality, is a realistic and relativistic pluralism. A thing has got an infinite number of characteristics of its own.

• It refers to the simultaneous acceptance of multiple, diverse, even contradictory viewpoints.
• It emphasises that the ultimate truth and reality is complex, and has multiple-aspects i.e theory of plurality.

Thus Anekantavada—non-absolutism—is the law of the multiple nature of Reality.

Syadvada(Logic of Relativity):

• Syat means ‘Let it be’ or ‘It may be’. ‘Syat’ or ‘relatively speaking’ must precede all our judgements. Absolute affirmation and absolute negation are both wrong. All our judgements are conditional and double edged.
• Syadavada literally means the ‘method of examining different probabilities’

Tirthankaras:

• Tirthankaras are also known as Arihants or Jinas.
• Arihant: One who destroys his inner enemies like anger, greed, passion, ego, etc.
• Jina: One who conquers his inner enemies like anger, greed, passion, ego, etc. The followers of Jina are known as Jains.
• Tirthankara: Those Jinas who establishes the four-fold order (Monk, Nun, Layman, and Laywoman) of religion.
• According to Jain philosophy, all Tirthankaras were human beings but they have attained a state of perfection or enlightenment through meditation and self-realization. 
• Rishabhanatha/Adinath (1st Tirthankara) and Arishtanemi (Relative of Krishna) were mentioned in Rigveda.
• 24 tirthankaras in jainism

List of 24 Tirthankaras:

The names of 24 Tirthankaras along with their symbols, emblems and colours are mentioned in the table below:

Other Facts about Jainism:

There are some important details about Jainism

• The doctrine of Jaina is older than the Buddhist doctrine
• Buddha and Mahavira were contemporaries
• The word ‘Jaina’ has meaning. It means the follower of ‘Jina,’ which means ‘Victor’ (Someone who has attained infinite knowledge and who teaches others how to attain moksha.)
• The other name to ‘Jina’ is ‘Tirthankara,’ which means ford builder.
• There is a Jaina conception of time which is divided into six stages called Kalas.
• The 22nd Tirthankara Neminatha is said to have belonged to the Saurashtra region of Gujarat.
• The 23rd Tirthankara Parshvanath lived in Benaras
• All Tirthankaras are supposed to have taught the same doctrine.
• A Jina is said to possess ‘Avadhijnana,’ (Superhuman cognition or psychic power.)
• Jain monks were also known as Nirgranthas (free from bonds)
• The Yajurveda mentions Rishabha, Ajinatha and Aristanemi. One of the Puranas describes Rishabha as an incarnation of  Narayana.
• Mahavir organized his followers into a fourfold order, namely monk (Sadhu), nun (Sadhvi), layman (Shravak), and laywoman (Shravika). Later on, they are known as Jains.
• Svetambaras believe that Mahavira married and a daughter was born to him. However, Digambara believe Mahavira remained unmarried.
• Yajur Veda mentions three of the Tirthankaras  are Risabha, Ajitanatha and Aristanemi.
• As per Buddhist texts Vardhamana Mahavira  referred to as Nigantha Nataputta and was born in 540 BC in Kundagrama
• The famous statue of Gomateshwara is located at Shravanabelagola. It is the world’s tallest monolithic free-status structure.

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