MAHAVIR JAYANTI
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Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, devoted three decades of his life journeying across the Indian subcontinent, spreading his teachings rooted in non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and detachment from material possessions (Aparigraha). These ethical principles eventually became the core values of Jainism.
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Jain philosophy emphasizes the complexity of truth and reality through its doctrines of Anekantavada (the belief in the multifaceted nature of reality) and Syadvada (the theory of conditioned predication or "may-be" doctrine). It asserts that reality is not absolute and can be perceived in multiple ways. Every entity is understood to have three aspects: substance (dravya), quality (guna), and mode (paryaya).
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Regarding living beings (jivas), Jainism teaches that all souls are inherently equal and endowed with four infinite attributes: boundless knowledge, faith, power, and bliss (anantacatustaya). The doctrine maintains that the endless cycle of birth and rebirth is governed by the law of karma. Since even unintended actions can accumulate karma, Jains aim to minimize harm in all forms, refraining not only from harmful acts but also from occupations that could indirectly cause injury. Consequently, professions such as agriculture, which may involve harm to living organisms, were traditionally discouraged.
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The path to liberation in Jainism is guided by the Triratna or the "Three Jewels": right perception (samyag-darshana), right knowledge (samyag-jnana), and right conduct (samyag-charitra). Jain monks and nuns take five major vows (panchamahavrata), which include practicing complete non-violence in thought, word, and deed; speaking only the truth; refraining from theft; renouncing sensual desires; and leading a life of detachment by not claiming ownership over any material object
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Tirhankar Circuit
As part of the Ministry of Tourism’s ‘Swadesh Darshan’ Scheme launched in 2015, the government has undertaken the development of several theme-based religious tourism circuits, including the Tirthankar circuit. In the state of Bihar, the sites identified for development under this circuit include Vaishali, Arrah, Masad, Patna, Rajgir, Pawapuri, and Champapuri
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Historian Upinder Singh suggests that the Jaina monastic community was likely divided into two main sects—the Digambaras (those who go naked) and the Shvetambaras (those who wear white)—by around 300 CE. Jain traditions narrate that during the decline of Chandragupta Maurya’s reign, a severe famine compelled a group of Jain monks to migrate from the Ganga plains to the Deccan region.
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Some versions of the tradition state that Bhadrabahu led the migrating monks, who stayed for 12 years in the Karnataka region. Upon their return, they noticed that the monks who remained in the north, led by Sthulabhadra, had adopted the practice of wearing clothes.
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This divergence in practices eventually formalized into two distinct sects: the Digambaras, who continued the tradition of nudity, and the Shvetambaras, who adopted white robes.
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A key doctrinal difference between the two is that Digambaras believe that women must first be reborn as men to achieve liberation, whereas the Shvetambaras accept that women are capable of attaining jina-hood, or spiritual liberation, in their current form.
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The earliest Jain scriptures were composed in Ardh-Magadhi and are collectively referred to as the Siddhanta or Agama texts. The Shvetambara canon consists of a wide range of texts including the 12 Angas, Upangas, Cheda Sutras, Mula Sutras, and Prakirnas.
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According to Shvetambara accounts, the Angas were first compiled during a council held in Pataliputra, and the full canon was finalized in the 5th or 6th century CE at a council in Valabhi, Gujarat, under the leadership of Devarddhi Kshamashramana.
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Additional significant contributions to Jain literature include the Charitas, or Jaina Puranas, preserved by the Shvetambara sect. The Adi Purana from the 9th century narrates the life story of the first Tirthankara, Rishabha.
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Similarly, the Harivamsha Purana from the 8th century presents Jain retellings of the Mahabharata figures such as Krishna, Balarama, the Pandavas, and the Kauravas. Another major text, Parishishtaparvan written by Hemachandra in the 12th century, offers insight into the early Jaina teacher lineages and includes relevant aspects of political history
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For Prelims: Jainism, Budhism, Mahavir Jayanthi
For Mains: GS I - Art & Culture
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Previous Year Questions
1. With reference to ancient Jainism, which one of the following statements is correct? (2004) (a) Jainism was spread in South India under the leadership of Sthalabahu (b) The Jainism who remained under the leadership of Bhadrabahu were called Shvetambaras after the council held at Pataliputra (c) Jainism enjoyed the patronage of the Kalinga king Kharavela in the 1st century BC (d) In the initial stage, of Jainism, the Jain worshipped images unlike Buddhists 2. With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to (2018) (a) Buddhism (b) Jainism (c) Vaishnavism (d) Shaivism 3.The concept of Anuvrata was advocated by (1995) (a) Mahayana Buddhism (b) Hinayana Buddhism (c) Jainism (d) The Lokayukta School Answers - 1-c 2-b 3-c |
