Jainism

Key concepts

How Jainism connects to the ideas, people and events around it.

1. Mahavira

   ← founder of

   Mahavira (599–527 BCE) is the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, revered as a reformer who revitalized the Jain community. He achieved kevala jnana (omniscience) after 12 years of intense ascetic practice.

2. Tirthankara

   ← core concept of

   A Tirthankara is a spiritual teacher who has crossed the samsara cycle and provides a path for others to achieve liberation. Jain tradition recognizes 24 Tirthankaras, each establishing a new epoch.

3. Ahimsa

   ← principle of

   Ahimsa, meaning non‑violence, is the central ethical principle of Jainism, extending to thoughts, words, and deeds. Jains practice strict vegetarianism and avoid harming even microscopic life forms.

4. Digambara

   ← sect of

   Digambara is one of the two major sects of Jainism, characterized by monks who practice nudity to symbolize renunciation. The sect holds that women must be reborn as men to attain liberation.

5. Śvetāmbara

   ← sect of

   Śvētāmbara, the other principal Jain sect, allows monks to wear simple white clothing and accepts that women can achieve liberation. It preserves a different canon of Jain scriptures than Digambara.

6. Agamas

   ← scripture of

   The Agamas are the canonical scriptures of Jainism, containing the teachings of the Tirthankaras. Śvētāmbara Jains consider the Agamas authentic, while Digambara Jains believe the original texts are lost.

7. Abu Raj

   ← pilgrimage site of

   Mount Abu in Rajasthan is a major pilgrimage site for Jains, housing the famous Dilwara Temples. The temples, built between the 11th and 13th centuries, are renowned for intricate marble carvings.

8. Ranakpur

   ← pilgrimage site of

   Ranakpur, located in Rajasthan, is home to the Ranakpur Jain Temple, a masterpiece of marble architecture constructed in the 15th century. The temple is dedicated to Tirthankara Adinatha and exemplifies Digambara style.

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