Jainism

Statue of Gomateshwar at Shravanabelagola

Jainism was preached by Vardhaman Mahavir, in the 6th century BC. Born to Siddhartha, chief of the Vaisali principality in Videha (Bihar) and queen Trisala, the child was named Vardhamana. As a young boy, Vardhamana performed great feats of valor and came to be called Mahavira, Great Hero.

When he was thirteen, Mahavira attained omniscience under an Asoka Tree on Parsvanath hill. At the age of thirty, Mahavira renounced the world and became a wandering mendicant for 12 years. He was called as Jina, Victorious over Karma, from which the Jains derive their name. At the age of 72, he breathed his last while staying as a guest of King Hastipala of Pavapuri in Patna.

Jains believe that Mahavira was the last of the 24 world-teachers called Tirthankars. Jainism has more than two million votaries in present day India, and they are divided into two sects - Digambaras (sky-clad) and Shwethambaras (white-clad). The exalted few among Digambara monks discard clothes and live secluded lives.

Teachings of Mahavir

The main teaching of Mahavira was that it was the greatest sin to cause injury to creatures, and that it was the greatest virtue to renounce worldly possessions and practice strict asceticism. Orthodox Jains could not even take to farming, because it involved tilling which killed earthworms.

According to Mahavir, attachment to material objects is the primary cause of bondage and is also the cause for greed and jealousy. Jainism denies the existence of God as the creator, sustainer, and the moral governor of the world. According to the Jain dharma, the goal of life is to attain liberation. The Jain scripture, Jain Agamas Siddhantas, preaches the doctrine of Ahimsa or non-violence. According to this doctrine, all objects have a soul, and should not be hurt or killed.

Jain Festivals

Mahavir Jayanthi is an important festival celebrated by the Jains. Mahavir Jayanthi, the birth anniversary of Mahavira, falls in March-April. Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated by Jains in a quiet manner with prayers, and the worship of Tirthankars.

Jain Pilgrim Centers

One of the most popular Jain pilgrimages is Parsvanath hill in Bihar, which is the cradle of Jainism. Named after the 23rd Tirthankar, the Jains believe that most of their 24 Tirthankars attained enlightenment or liberation on this hill. More pilgrims visit the hill during the Mahavir Jayanti festival than at any other time.

Another attraction for Jain pilgrims is Mount Girnar near Junagadh in Gujarat. According to Hindu scriptures, the mountain was the venue of festivals and fairs of the Yadavas. The 22nd Tirthankar, Neminatha, is said to have attained nirvana here.

The only important Jain shrine in the South is at Shravana Belgola near Mysore. There are two hills at the place - Indrabetta and Chandragiri. On the former is the famous huge statue of the Digambara Saint Gomatesvara, which is 17 metres high, in the Dude, in keeping with Digambara traditions.

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