Jain Beliefs
Jainism is one of the oldest religions in India, emphasizing non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), non-possessiveness (Aparigraha), and asceticism. The core beliefs include:
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): Jains follow strict vegetarianism and avoid harm to all living
beings.- Karma and Rebirth: Actions in life influence future rebirths.
- Moksha (Liberation): The ultimate goal is to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
- Anekantavada (Multiple Perspectives): Truth is perceived differently from various viewpoints.
Jain Traditions
- Paryushana: An annual 8-10 day festival focused on fasting and self-purification.
- Samvatsari: The day of forgiveness, where Jains seek pardon from others.
- Sallekhana: The ritual of voluntary fasting unto death, practiced by highly ascetic monks and nuns.
- Diksha: Renouncing worldly life to become a Jain monk or nun.
Major Jain Tirthankaras (Spiritual Teachers)
Jainism does not believe in a creator god but follows 24 Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers), the most notable being:
- ishabhanatha (Adinatha): The first Tirthankara.
- Parshvanatha: The 23rd Tirthankara, who emphasized non-violence and four ethical vows.
- Mahavira (Vardhamana): The 24th Tirthankara and the most revered in modern Jainism.
Major Jain Sects
- Digambara (Sky-clad Jains): Followers believe that ascetics should not wear clothes and use a peacock feather broom (Pinchi) to avoid harming small creatures.
- Svetambara (White-clad Jains): Monks wear white clothes and believe in more accessible religious practices.
- Terapanthi and Sthanakvasi: Sub-sects within Svetambara Jains, focusing on simpler rituals and no idol worship.
Common Jain Names and Surnames
- Men: Vardhman, Rishabh, Parshva, Jinendra, Anant, Mahavir, Sumati, Nemi.
- Women: Sulekha, Pratiksha, Shweta, Jinisha, Kavita, Bhavna, Tarini.
- Surnames: Jain, Shah, Mehta, Doshi, Sanghvi, Firodia, Gadia, Bhandari, Kothari.
Major Jain Settlements in India
Jain communities are spread across India, with significant populations in:
- Rajasthan: Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur.
- Gujarat: Ahmedabad, Surat, Palitana.
- Maharashtra: Mumbai, Pune, Nashik.
- Karnataka: Shravanabelagola, Bangalore.
- Madhya Pradesh: Indore, Gwalior.
- Tamil Nadu: Chennai, Madurai.
- Delhi: Significant Jain temples and businesses.
Major Jain Pilgrimage Centers in India
- Shikharji (Jharkhand): The most important pilgrimage site where many Tirthankaras attained Moksha.
- Palitana (Gujarat): A cluster of over 800 temples on Shatrunjaya Hill.
- Shravanabelagola (Karnataka): Famous for the 57-foot monolithic statue of Bahubali.
- Ranakpur (Rajasthan): A beautifully carved marble Jain temple.
- Dilwara Temples (Rajasthan): Intricately designed Jain temples at Mount Abu.
- Girnar (Gujarat): An ancient pilgrimage site associated with Tirthankaras.
- Kundalpur (Madhya Pradesh): A sacred site linked to Lord Mahavira’s life.
- Pavapuri (Bihar): The place where Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana.
These sacred sites and beliefs continue to shape the Jain way of life, making it one of the most disciplined and spiritual traditions in India.
