Introduction
Jainism is one of India’s oldest religions that places a significant value on self-discipline, truth (Satya), and non-violence (Ahimsa). It was established as a reformist movement against Brahmanical orthodoxy in the sixth century B.C. by Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. The five ascetic vows and the Triratna—Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct—form the foundation of Jain philosophy. Jainism believes in self-attained emancipation (Moksha) and denies the existence of a creator God. The two main sects are- Digambara and Svetambara within the religion. Jainism spread via monastic orders and royal patronage, having a profound impact on Indian art, architecture, and culture.
Birth and Life of Mahavira
The twenty-fourth and final Jain Tirthankara, Vardhamana Mahavira, was born in Kundagrama (near Vaishali, Bihar) in 540 B.C. He was related to the Magadha royal dynasty and was a member of the Jnatrika tribe. His mother, Trishala, was the sister of Vaishali’s monarch, Chetaka, and his father, Siddhartha, was the head of the Jnatrika Kshatriya tribe.
Mahavira gave up his life as a prince at the age of thirty and began living a strict ascetic lifestyle. At the age of forty-two, he attained Kevalya (supreme knowledge) after 12 years of intense penance and meditation. He thus became into a Jina, or the vanquisher of attachments and desires.In Koshala, Magadha, Mithila, and Champa, Mahavira preached Jain doctrine for the remainder of his life. He gained a large following after giving his first sermon in Pava. In 468 B.C., at the age of 72, he reached Nirvana at Pavapuri (Bihar). He uses the lion as his emblem.
Teachings of Mahavira
The main tenets of Mahavira’s philosophy were self-control, non-violence, and righteousness in order to achieve liberation. His main lessons are:
Triratna (Three Jewels)
| Right Faith (Samyak Darshana) | Belief in the truth of Jain teachings. |
| Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana) | Understanding reality without biases. |
| Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) | Living a virtuous life in accordance with Jain principles. |
Five Vows of Jainism
| Ahimsa (Non-violence) | Avoid harming any living being. |
| Satya (Truthfulness) | Always speak the truth. |
| Asteya (Non-stealing) | Do not take what is not given. |
| Aparigraha (Non-possession) | Renounce material desires. |
| Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity) | Practice self-restraint. |
Concept of God in Jainism
According to Jainism, there is no creator god. Rather, it teaches that the universe is everlasting and functions in accordance with its own laws. It does, however, recognize freed spirits (Siddhas) as divine entities who have achieved Moksha on their own. All living things are capable of becoming divine.
Anekantavada and Syadvada
- Anekantavada (Doctrine of Multiple Realities) – Every entity has multiple aspects and perspectives. Truth is multifaceted.
- Syadvada (Doctrine of Conditional Truth) – All judgments are conditional and depend on perspectives.
Organisation and Sects of Jainism
Jainism is divided into two major sects due to differences in practices and beliefs:
1. Digambara Sect
- Monks practice complete nudity as a mark of renunciation.
- Women cannot achieve liberation.
- Bhadrabahu was an important leader.
Sub-sects of Digambara
- Mula Sangh
- Bisapantha
- Terapantha
- Taranpantha
2. Svetambara Sect
- Monks wear white clothes.
- Women can attain liberation.
- Sthulabhadra was a key leader.
Sub-sects of Svetambara
- Murtipujaka
- Sthanakvasi
- Terapanthi
Literature of Jainism
Jain texts are divided into:
Agam Literature (Canonical Texts)
- Comprises teachings of Mahavira, compiled by his disciples.
- Divided into Ang-agamas (primary texts) and Ang-bahya-agamas (secondary texts).
- Written in Prakrit language.
Non-Agam Literature
- Comprises commentaries, explanations, and independent works.
- Written in Prakrit, Sanskrit, Old Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Tamil, Hindi, and other languages.
Jain Councils and Compilation of Scriptures
First Jain Council (3rd Century B.C.)
- Held at Patliputra under the presidency of Sthulabhadra.
- Digambara sect refused to recognize the council’s decisions.
Second Jain Council (512 A.D.)
- Held at Vallabhi under Devardhi Kshamasramana.
- Final compilation of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas.
Spread of Jainism and Royal Patrons
| Factors Contributing to the SpreadOpposition to the rigid caste system and Brahmanical rituals.Use of Prakrit, a language of the common people, for preaching.Establishment of monastic orders (Sanghas) open to both men and women.Influence of major rulers who supported Jainism. |
| Royal Patrons of JainismChandragupta Maurya – Adopted Jainism and spent his last years as a Jain ascetic in Karnataka.Kharavela of Kalinga – Spread Jainism in Odisha.Rashtrakuta and Chalukya Dynasties – Supported Jainism in the Deccan region.King Amoghavarsha (9th century) – Patron of Jain literature and philosophy. |
Jain Architecture
Jainism contributed significantly to Indian architecture, particularly in the form of temples, caves, and statues.
Types of Jain Architecture
- Caves (Layana/Gumphas) – Ellora Caves, Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves, Sittanavasal Cave.
- Statues – Gometeshwara (Shravanabelagola), Statue of Ahimsa (Maharashtra).
- Temples (Jinalaya) – Dilwara Temple (Rajasthan), Palitana Temples (Gujarat), Muktagiri Temple (Maharashtra).
Special Architectural Features
- Manastambha – Pillar with Tirthankara images on all four sides.
- Basadis – Jain monastic establishments, especially in Karnataka.
Conclusion
Jainism was the one of the religion which had a significant impact on Indian philosophy, culture, and ethics due to its fundamental beliefs in truth, non-violence, and self-discipline. Jainism differs from other religions in that it addresses self-liberation and rejects the idea of a creator god. Jain doctrines have been perpetuated by the Digambara and Svetambara sects through monastic traditions and sacred scriptures. With the help of kings like Chandragupta Maurya and Kharavela, Jainism expanded throughout India and had a long-lasting effect on architecture and art.
