Jainism: Founder, Symbol, Teachings, Beliefs, History & Principles

Jainism, an ancient Shramana tradition, emphasizes Ahimsa, truth, and non-possession as paths to liberation. Founded on the teachings of 24 Tirthankaras, with Mahavira as the last, it split into Digambara and Śvetāmbara sects. Rajasthan holds deep Jain heritage, home to Ranakpur, Dilwara, and other significant pilgrimage temples.

Jainism is one of the ancient Indian religions and philosophies. It is part of the Shramana tradition, which co-developed with other non-Vedic religions in ancient India. Jainism focuses heavily on non-violence (Ahimsa), self-discipline, truth, non-possession, karma and liberation of the soul. Unlike Buddhism, Jainism does not teach that a supreme creator God made the universe. In contrast, Jain cosmology describes the universe as eternal — subject to its own laws. The highest goal of Jain spirituality is Moksha, which occurs when the soul has been liberated from all karmas. The tradition identifies 24 Tirthankaras, with Rishabhanatha being the first and Mahavira the 24th. In the 6th century BCE, Mahavira developed Jain religious doctrine.

Jainism: Historical Background

• Jainism emerged in the broader intellectual context of early northern India, a period characterised by urbanisation, expansion of trade and agriculture, and new political centres.
• Amid radical change in the ritual tradition of the day, various Shramana movements centred in northern India began growing throughout the 6th century BCE, stressing personal effort, moral behaviour, and renunciation.
• The teachings of Jainism are attributed to a succession of Tirthankaras. Yet, historically speaking, there is far less evidence for the earlier Tirthankaras than later figures like Parshvanatha and Mahavira.

Why Did Jainism Gain Followers?

• Jainism developed due to various social and intellectual developments:
• Towns expanded, and new trade networks opened up, creating new classes of merchants and householders.
• Nevertheless, the increasing importance of elaborate ritual practices raised doubts with some.
• Ahimsa, the central ethical principle of Jainism, and self-control are central to its philosophy.
• The Shramana tradition emphasised self-effort over reliance on sacrificial ritual.
• Jain monks wandered from settlement to settlement, imparting their teachings.
• Later, merchant communities became an important source of support for Jain institutions.
• The widespread use of Prakrit languages allowed religious ideas to travel outside narrow academic circles.

The 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism 

Parshvanatha: The 23rd Tirthankara

Parshvanatha is generally regarded as the 23rd Tirthankara. Jain tradition places him several generations before Mahavira.

He is especially known for four major restraints,

• Ahimsa
• Satya
• Asteya
• Aparigraha

The five-vow pathway of Mahavira later made Brahmacharya into a separate vow.

Parshvanatha is significant for the relative historical memory retained by Jain tradition regarding him, and because these teachings appear as one of the Jains and the structured community with which Mahavira was associated.

Mahavira: The 24th Tirthankara

• Name: Vardhamana Mahavira
• Religious Tradition: Jainism
• Status: 24th and last Tirthankara of the present Jain tradition
• Birthplace: Kundagrama, near Vaishali, Bihar
• Father: Siddharth, Raja of Jnatrika/Naya clan
• Mother: Trishala (also called Priyakarini), by Jain tradition
• Wife: Yashoda, in the More traditional telling
• Daughter: Priyadarshana (Anojja)
• Renunciation: Mahavira is reputed to have renounced worldly life at the age of 30.
• Ascetic Life: He endured extreme austerities and meditation for around 12 years before achieving spiritual liberation (Dharma).
• Enlightenment: He achieved Kevala Jnana (perfect/omniscient knowledge).
• Place of Enlightenment: Historically connected with Jrimbhikagrama, near the Rijupalika river.
• Teaching: Mahavira preached Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy) and Aparigraha (non-possession).
• Five Great Vows: The five vows formed the basis of Jain ethical teachings.
• Followers: His teachings formed a fourfold Jain community of monks, nuns, laymen and laywomen.
• Nirvana/Death: Mahavira's Nirvana at Pawapuri, Bihar.
• Traditional Dates: Śvetāmbara Jain tradition: 599–527 BCE.
• Fact: Jain tradition traces the lineage of Tirthankaras to a much earlier period than Mahavira, while historical evidence for the earliest Tirthankaras is limited.
• Predecessor: 23rd Tirthankara Parshvanatha, generally considered to have been before Mahavira.
• Symbol: The lion is the traditional symbol of Mahavira.
• Associated Tree: The Sāla tree is traditionally associated with Mahavira
• Significance: Pavapuri is associated with the place where Mahavira achieved salvation (Moksha/Nirvana).

Jain Councils 

Teachings of Mahavira

Mahavira focused on self-control and asceticism as the path to liberation and encouraged non-violence, dispassion, ethics and soul-perfection. He preached that every jiva is capable of salvation by following right belief, right knowledge and right conduct.

Ahimsa: Non-Violence

The core of the teachings of Mahavira was Ahimsa. He pointed out that one must not hurt any being, in mind, word and deed.
Jainism carries the principle of Ahimsa to the minutiae of life. Thus compassion and carefulness of conduct became integral elements of Jain religious tradition.

Satya: Truth

• According to Mahavira, a man should never say anything but the truth. But we should remember that truth ought to be spoken judiciously and should not become a source of unnecessary destruction.

Asteya: Non-Stealing

• Asteya is not taking anything that has not been freely given. Mahavira associated an ethical life with truthfulness, self-control and respect for the property of others.

Aparigraha: Non-Possession

• Mahavira advocated against greed for material possessions. Accumulation and attachment naturally increase desires and create obstructions to liberation, as his teaching went.

Brahmacharya: Celibacy

• The word brahmacharya is roughly translated as celibacy or regulation of sexual urges. It was especially strictly prescribed for monks and nuns.
• Traditionally, Mahavira is said to have ordered Brahmacharya as the fifth great vow, while Parshvanatha's fourfold system traditionally has no mention of it as a separate vow.

Triratna – Three Jewels 

Mahavira's path to liberation is expressed through the Three Jewels (Triratna):

Karma and Liberation

• Mahavira taught that doing and wanting bind the soul to karma. Someone can evolve spiritually through controlling desires, discipline and removing all the karmas stacked up.
• The final aim is Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth-death).

Equality of Souls

• The teachings of Mahavira acknowledged the divine potential within all souls. Liberation is contingent on virtue and spiritual work, not birth or caste.
• Self-Control and Asceticism
• Renunciation, meditation, penance and control of the senses were most important to Mahavira. Jain monks adhered to ascetic practices, aiming to minimise attachment and thus prevent adding further karma.

Anekantavada

• The Jain tradition of philosophy associated with Mahavira holds to the doctrine that reality is complex. What we know as humans is only a fraction of what exists out there.
• This concept was then modified and evolved into Anekantavada, Syadvada and Nayavada.

8 Auspicious Symbols of Jainism (Ashtamangala)

Ashtamangala = eight auspicious symbols of Jainism. Symbols are prevalent in Jain arts, temples and rituals.

Swastika

• There are four types of beings: divine, human beings, aminals/plants and hell beings.
• Advises a person to tread the path of liberation (Moksha).

Shrivatsa

• An auspicious symbol usually seen by all Tirthankars.
• It represents purity, auspiciousness and spiritual perfection.

Nandyavarta

• A complex, many-lined auspicious symbol.
• Symbolises spiritual growth and effulgence.

Vardhamanaka

• Traditionally, a container or vessel which is seen as auspicious.
• It represents growth, prosperity and abundance.

Bhadrasana

• Signifies a sacred chair or throne.
• Indicates glory, dignity and religious significance.

Kalasha

• An auspicious water-filled vessel.
• Represents purity, prosperity and abundance.

Pair of Fish

• Two fish are represented as a propitious motif.
• Good fortune, good health, and well-being.

Darpana (Mirror)

• Represents a mirror.
• Represents self-examination, consciousness and clarity of soul.

Sects of Jainism

Due to differences in monasticism, clothing, scripture and belief over time, Jainism split into two major sects: Digambara and Śvetāmbara.

• Long Famine: A great famine in Magadha is traditionally held to have led Jain monks to emigrate from the region.
• Migration: The mystic Bhadrabahu, as well as a group of monks, are described in tradition to have migrated southwards to South India, with another group staying back in the north.
• Different Monastic Practices: Disputes regarding whether monks should be only naked or wear white clothes developed over time.
• Preservation of Scriptures: various traditions arose concerning preservation and authenticity of Jain Agamas.
• Religious Differences: Differing approaches to Women, possessions and asceticism
• Formation of Sects: These differences gradually became institutionalised into the two major traditions:
• Digambara – “Sky-clad”
• Śvetāmbara – “White-clad”

Jainism in Rajasthan

• Jainism has a long and important history in Rajasthan.
• Both Digambara and Śvetāmbara Jain communities have a long-standing presence in Rajasthan.
• Western Rajasthan emerged as an influential centre of Śvetāmbara Jainism.
• In Rajasthan, Jainism drew its patronage from merchant and trading communities.
• Ranakpur is one of the greatest pilgrimage sites in Jainism.
• The temple is dedicated to Tirthankara Adinatha (Rishabhanatha)
• Mount Abu has Dilwara Jain Temples in Sirohi district
• Dilwara Temples: These temples are known for their exquisite marble sculptures and detailed architecture.
• The Jain temples of Jaisalmer Fort
• Lodhurva at Jaisalmer is an important historic Jain pilgrimage centre of Parshwanath.
• Osian, near Jodhpur, is famous for its Jain temples and temple architecture.
• Narlai is a significant Jain pilgrimage centre in Pali.
• Karauli is an important Digambara Jain pilgrimage centre known for Shri Mahavirji.
• Keshorai Patan in Bundi district is also associated with Jain religious traditions.
• The temples, sculptures, manuscripts, pilgrimage centres, etc. in Rajasthan reflect the Jain heritage of the state.

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