Jainism: History and Significance
Jainism is one of the ancient religions originating from the Indian subcontinent. It emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possession (aparigraha) as the fundamental principles for leading a righteous life. Followers of Jainism are called Jains, and they believe in the concept of karma, reincarnation, and eventual liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and death (moksha).
Jainism was founded by Lord Mahavira, who was born in the 6th century BCE in present-day Bihar, India. He is considered the 24th Tirthankara, or spiritual teacher, in the Jain tradition. Mahavira’s teachings were based on the principles of austerity, self-discipline, and spiritual purification.
Jainism has two major sects: Digambara and Svetambara. The Digambara sect believes in complete nudity as a symbol of renunciation, while the Svetambara sect allows the wearing of white robes.
Jainism has made significant contributions to Indian philosophy, ethics, and culture. Its emphasis on non-violence and compassion has influenced many aspects of Indian society and has also gained recognition worldwide as a philosophy promoting peace and harmony.
Jain Tirthankara
Jainism, one of the ancient religions of India, venerates 24 Tirthankaras or spiritual teachers who are considered to have achieved moksha (liberation) and guide others towards spiritual enlightenment. Each Tirthankara propounds the Jain path of righteousness and non-violence (ahimsa). Some of the most renowned Tirthankaras include:
Rishabhanatha (also known as Adinatha) – He is considered the first Tirthankara. According to Jain tradition, he lived millions of years ago and taught principles of non-violence, truth, and asceticism.
Ajitanatha – The second Tirthankara in Jainism. He is said to have lived billions of years ago and preached the path of spiritual liberation.
Sambhavanatha – The third Tirthankara. He is believed to have lived millions of years ago and is associated with teachings on compassion and non-attachment.
Abhinandananatha – The fourth Tirthankara. He is said to have lived millions of years ago and is associated with virtues such as patience and forgiveness.
Sumatinatha – The fifth Tirthankara. He is believed to have lived millions of years ago and is associated with teachings on meditation and self-discipline.
Padmaprabha – The sixth Tirthankara. He is said to have lived millions of years ago and is associated with teachings on purity and detachment.
Suparshvanatha: Suparshvanatha was the seventh Tirthankara. According to Jain tradition, he lived millions of years ago. His emblem is the Svastika, which represents auspiciousness.
Chandraprabha: Chandraprabha was the eighth Tirthankara. He is believed to have lived millions of years ago. His emblem is the Crescent Moon.
Pushpadanta: Pushpadanta was the ninth Tirthankara. Like the others, he lived millions of years ago. His emblem is the Crocodile.
Shitalanatha: Shitalanatha, the tenth Tirthankara, also lived millions of years ago. His emblem is the Kalpavriksha, a divine, wish-fulfilling tree.
Shreyansanatha: Shreyansanatha was the eleventh Tirthankara, who is said to have lived millions of years ago. His emblem is the Rhinoceros.
Vasupujya: Vasupujya was the twelfth Tirthankara. He, too, is believed to have lived millions of years ago. His emblem is the Buffalo.
Lord Vimalnath: Also known as Bhagwan Vimalnath, he was the 13th Tirthankara. According to Jain tradition, he lived millions of years ago and attained liberation after intense meditation and ascetic practices.
Lord Anantnath: He was the 14th Tirthankara and is also referred to as Bhagwan Anantnath. His iconography typically depicts him with a serpent hood over his head, symbolizing his victory over desires and passions.
Lord Dharmanath: Bhagwan Dharmanath is recognized as the 15th Tirthankara. He is believed to have attained enlightenment after renouncing worldly life and practicing intense meditation.
Lord Shantinath: Shantinath, or Bhagwan Shantinath, is revered as the 16th Tirthankara in Jainism. His name signifies peace, and he is often depicted in a meditative posture, symbolizing his tranquility and spiritual calmness.
Lord Kunthunath: Kunthunath, or Bhagwan Kunthunath, is considered the 17th Tirthankara. According to Jain tradition, he achieved liberation after countless lifetimes of spiritual striving and moral purity.
Lord Aranath: Aranath, also known as Bhagwan Aranath, is the 18th Tirthankara. He is believed to have preached the Jain path of non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion during his lifetime.
Mallinatha: Mallinatha, the 19th Tirthankara, is believed to have lived millions of years ago. His symbol is a water pot.
Munisuvrata: Munisuvrata, the 20th Tirthankara, is said to have lived millions of years ago. His emblem is a tortoise.
Naminatha: Naminatha, the 21st Tirthankara, lived millions of years ago. His symbol is a blue water lily.
Neminatha: Neminatha, the 22nd Tirthankara, was a cousin of Lord Krishna. He is believed to have lived around 3000 BCE. His emblem is a conch shell.
Parshvanatha: Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, is said to have lived around 850 BCE. He was the son of King Asvasena and Queen Vamadevi. His emblem is a snake.
Mahavira (Vardhamana): Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, is the 24th and most recent Tirthankara of the Jain tradition. He lived around 599–527 BCE. Mahavira is considered the founder of Jainism as it exists today. His emblem is a lion.
Jain Temples (Derasar) in India
Jain Derasars, also known as Jain temples or Jain Mandirs, are places of worship for followers of Jainism, one of the oldest religions in India. Jainism emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa), truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-attachment as the path to spiritual liberation.
There are numerous Jain Derasars across India, as well as in other countries with Jain communities. Some of the most prominent Jain temples in India include:
Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu, Rajasthan: These temples are known for their intricate marble carvings and are considered architectural marvels.
Palitana Temples, Gujarat: Located atop the Shatrunjaya hills, this complex comprises 863 temples and is one of the most sacred Jain pilgrimage sites.
Ranakpur Jain Temple, Rajasthan: Renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate marble carvings, this temple is dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankara.
Shikharji, Jharkhand: This is one of the holiest Jain pilgrimage sites, believed to be the place where twenty of the twenty-four Jain Tirthankaras attained moksha (liberation).
Shravanabelagola, Karnataka: Famous for the colossal statue of Lord Gommateshwara, this site holds immense significance for Jain devotees.
These are just a few examples, but there are many more Jain temples spread across India, each with its own unique history and significance in Jainism. You can visit OmAstrology to check more list of jain temples and their detail.