Jainism is one of the major religious and philosophical traditions of ancient India.This study guide covers Vardhamana Mahavira, the Jain Tirthankaras, core Jain philosophy, Anekantavada, Triratna, the five doctrines, Jain literature, monastic sects, and royal patronage.
For competitive exams, key focus areas include Mahavira’s birth, Kaivalya, Tirthankaras, Ahimsa, Triratna, Digambara-Svetambara differences, Jain texts and royal patrons.
Table of Contents
Vardhamana Mahavira
Vardhamana Mahavira was born in 540 BCE in a village called Kundagrama, near Vaishali. He belonged to the Jnatrika clan.
His father’s name was Siddhartha, who was the head of the Jnatrika clan. His mother’s name was Trishala. She was the sister of Chetaka, the king of Vaishali.
Important Facts About Mahavira
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth year | 540 BCE |
| Birthplace | Kundagrama near Vaishali |
| Clan | Jnatrika clan |
| Father | Siddhartha |
| Mother | Trishala |
| Mother’s relation | Sister of Chetaka, king of Vaishali |
| Renunciation | At the age of 30 |
| Kaivalya / Enlightenment | At the age of 42 |
| First sermon | Pava |
| Death | 468 BCE |
| Age at death | 72 years |
| Place of death | Pavapuri, Bihar |
| Symbol | Lion |
Mahavira renounced his home at the age of 30 and became an ascetic. At the age of 42, he attained Kaivalya, meaning enlightenment. He delivered his first sermon at Pava and passed away at Pavapuri in Bihar at the age of 72.
Jain Tirthankaras
There are 24 recognized Tirthankaras in Jain tradition.
Tirthankaras are people who attained enlightenment or Moksha.
| Tirthankara | Position |
|---|---|
| Rishabhdeva | First Tirthankara |
| Mahavira | Last and 24th Tirthankara |
The first Tirthankara was Rishabhdeva, and Mahavira was the last and 24th Tirthankara.
Jain Philosophy
The fundamental philosophy of Jainism existed in northern India prior to the birth of Vardhamana Mahavira.
The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated. Even stones, rocks and water have life.
This belief gives Jainism its strong ethical base. Since life exists everywhere, non-injury becomes central to Jain conduct.
Ahimsa in Jain Philosophy
Non-injury to living beings is central to Jaina philosophy.
Ahimsa extends strictly to all living entities, including:
- Humans
- Animals
- Plants
- Insects
This principle is known as Ahimsa and is one of the most important features of Jainism.
Karma, Birth and Rebirth
According to Jainism, the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through Karma.
To free oneself from the cycle of Karma, a person must follow:
- Asceticism
- Penance
- Renunciation of the world
Monastic existence and strict ascetic discipline are regarded as necessary conditions for achieving salvation.
Five Vows of Jain Monks and Nuns
Jaina monks and nuns took five vows.
| Vow | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ahimsa | To abstain from killing |
| Asteya | To abstain from stealing |
| Satya | To abstain from lying |
| Brahmacharya | To observe celibacy |
| Aparigraha | To abstain from possessing property |
These vows show the strict moral and ascetic discipline expected in Jainism.
Jainism and Samkhya Philosophy
Jain philosophy shares notable metaphysical affinities with the Samkhya school of orthodox Hindu philosophy.
This means Jainism shares some philosophical closeness with Samkhya in its way of understanding existence, life and liberation.
Anekantavada
Anekantavada means the theory of many-sidedness.
According to this doctrine, any entity is both:
- Enduring
- Undergoing change
The change is constant and inevitable.
This makes Anekantavada an important philosophical idea because it explains reality from more than one side.
Three Aspects of Entity in Anekantavada
According to the theory, all entities have three aspects:
| Aspect | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dravya | Substance |
| Guna | Quality |
| Paryaya | Mode or changing condition |
The framework of Anekantavada encompasses related epistemological doctrines, including:
- Syadvada — the theory of “may be”
- Nyayvada
Tenets of Jainism
The main aim of Jainism is the attainment of liberation.
This liberation can be attained through three principles called the Three Jewels or Triratna.
Triratna or Three Jewels of Jainism
| Triratna | Sanskrit Term |
|---|---|
| Right Faith | Samyak Darshana |
| Right Knowledge | Samyakjnana |
| Right Action | Samyakcharita |
These three principles form the path to liberation in Jainism.
Five Doctrines of Jainism
The five doctrines of Jainism are:
- Ahimsa
- Satya
- Asteya
- Aparigraha
- Brahmacharya
These doctrines define the moral discipline of Jain life.
Jain Literature
wo foundational Jain texts include:
- Uttaradhyayana
- Jain Kalpasutra
Uttaradhyayana
Uttaradhyayana is a Prakrit text.
It describes how a queen named Kamlavati tried to persuade her husband to renounce the world.
Jain Kalpasutra
Jain Kalpasutra has three sections:
| Section | Content |
|---|---|
| Jaincharita | Biography of 23 Jains who preceded Mahavira |
| Kalpasutra / Theravali | List of schools and their heads |
| Samachari | Rules for ascetics or Jaina monks |
This makes the Kalpasutra important for understanding Jain tradition, teachers and monastic rules.
Sects of Jainism
Jainism is divided into two major sects:
- Digambara
- Svetambara
Svetambara Sect
Svetambara monks wear white clothes.
Features of Svetambara Sect
- Monks wear white clothes.
- They follow only four vows, except Brahmacharya.
- They believe women can also achieve Kaivalya.
- Sthulabhadra was the propounder of this sect.
Digambara Sect
Digambara monks do not wear clothes.
Features of Digambara Sect
- Male monks remain naked.
- Female monks wear plain unstitched sarees.
- They follow all five vows.
- They believe women cannot achieve liberation.
- Bhadrabahu was the propounder of this sect.
Digambara vs Svetambara
| Basis | Svetambara | Digambara |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | White clothes | Male monks do not wear clothes |
| Vows | Four vows except Brahmacharya | All five vows |
| Women and liberation | Women can achieve Kaivalya | Women cannot achieve liberation |
| Propounder | Sthulabhadra | Bhadrabahu |
| Geographical / Historical Base | Those who remained in Magadha | Those who went to South India |
Division in Jainism
The division in Jainism occurred mainly because of a famine that lasted for 12 years in Magadha.
During this famine:
- Some followers went to South India with Bhadrabahu.
- They continued strict practices.
- Those who remained in Magadha adopted a more relaxed attitude.
- They also started wearing clothes.
Those who remained in Magadha came to be known as Svetambaras.
Those who went to the South came to be known as Digambaras.
Royal Patronage of Jainism
Jainism received support from different rulers and dynasties.
Prominent Royal Patrons of Jainism
- Udayin, successor of Ajatshatru, was a Jain.
- Nandas supported Jainism.
- Chandragupta Maurya joined Bhadrabahu’s march towards South India.
- Chandragupta Maurya died observing Sallekhana, or fasting to death.
- Some Kushanas adopted Jainism.
- In the 5th century, the Gangas, Kadambas, Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas patronised Jainism.
- Jinasena, a poet in the court of King Amoghavarsha, composed Jain Mahapuranas.
- Ratnamalika is mentioned as one example.
- In 1100 ADE, Chalukyan king Siddharaja, also called Jayasimha, and his successor Kumarapala patronised Jain scholar Hemchandra.
Important Terms from Jainism
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tirthankara | One who attained enlightenment or Moksha |
| Kaivalya | Enlightenment |
| Moksha | Liberation |
| Ahimsa | Non-injury / non-violence |
| Karma | Force shaping birth and rebirth |
| Anekantavada | Theory of many-sidedness |
| Syadvada | Theory of “may be” |
| Triratna | Three Jewels |
| Samyak Darshana | Right Faith |
| Samyakjnana | Right Knowledge |
| Samyakcharita | Right Action |
| Aparigraha | Non-possession |
| Sallekhana | Fasting to death |
| Svetambara | Jain sect whose monks wear white clothes |
| Digambara | Jain sect whose male monks do not wear clothes |
Jainism: Quick Revision Table
| Topic | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Mahavira’s birth | 540 BCE |
| Birthplace | Kundagrama near Vaishali |
| Clan | Jnatrika |
| Father | Siddhartha |
| Mother | Trishala |
| Renunciation | Age 30 |
| Kaivalya | Age 42 |
| First sermon | Pava |
| Death | 468 BCE, Pavapuri, Bihar |
| Symbol of Mahavira | Lion |
| Total Tirthankaras | 24 |
| First Tirthankara | Rishabhdeva |
| Last Tirthankara | Mahavira |
| Main aim | Liberation |
| Path to liberation | Triratna |
| Major sects | Digambara and Svetambara |
| Digambara propounder | Bhadrabahu |
| Svetambara propounder | Sthulabhadra |
| Reason for division | 12-year famine in Magadha |
FAQs on Jainism
Who was Vardhamana Mahavira?
Vardhamana Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. He was born in 540 BCE at Kundagrama near Vaishali.
Where was Mahavira born?
Mahavira was born in Kundagrama, near Vaishali, in the Jnatrika clan.
Who were Mahavira’s parents?
Mahavira’s father was Siddhartha and his mother was Trishala.
At what age did Mahavira renounce his home?
Mahavira renounced his home at the age of 30 and became an ascetic.
What is Kaivalya in Jainism?
Kaivalya means enlightenment. Mahavira attained Kaivalya at the age of 42.
Where did Mahavira give his first sermon?
Mahavira delivered his first sermon at Pava.
Where did Mahavira die?
Mahavira passed away at Pavapuri in Bihar in 468 BCE, at the age of 72.
How many Tirthankaras are there in Jainism?
There are 24 Tirthankaras in Jainism.
Who was the first Tirthankara of Jainism?
The first Tirthankara was Rishabhdeva.
What is the main aim of Jainism?
The main aim of Jainism is the attainment of liberation or Moksha.
What are the Three Jewels of Jainism?
The Three Jewels, or Triratna, are Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Action.
What are the five doctrines of Jainism?
The five doctrines are Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha and Brahmacharya.
What is Anekantavada?
Anekantavada is the theory of many-sidedness. It states that an entity is enduring but also constantly changing.
What are the two major sects of Jainism?
The two major sects of Jainism are Digambara and Svetambara.
Who was the propounder of the Svetambara sect?
Sthulabhadra was the propounder of the Svetambara sect.
Who was the propounder of the Digambara sect?
Bhadrabahu was the propounder of the Digambara sect.
Why did Jainism divide into Digambara and Svetambara?
The division was triggered by a 12-year famine in Magadha. Followers who went south with Bhadrabahu kept strict practices and became Digambaras, while those who remained in Magadha adopted a more relaxed attitude and became Svetambaras.
What is Sallekhana?
Sallekhana means fasting to death. Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya famously observed Sallekhana at Shravanabelagola.
Last Moment Exam Cheat Sheet – Jainism
- Vardhamana Mahavira was born in 540 BCE at Kundagrama near Vaishali.
- Mahavira belonged to the Jnatrika clan.
- His father was Siddhartha.
- His mother was Trishala.
- Trishala was the sister of Chetaka, king of Vaishali.
- Mahavira renounced home at the age of 30.
- Mahavira attained Kaivalya at the age of 42.
- He delivered his first sermon at Pava.
- He died at the age of 72 in 468 BCE at Pavapuri, Bihar.
- The symbol associated with Mahavira was Lion.
- Jainism has 24 Tirthankaras.
- Rishabhdeva was the first Tirthankara.
- Mahavira was the last and 24th Tirthankara.
- Jainism believes that the entire world is animated.
- Even stones, rocks and water have life according to Jainism.
- Ahimsa or non-injury is central to Jaina philosophy.
- The cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped by Karma.
- Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from Karma.
- Monastic existence is a necessary condition of salvation.
- Jain monks and nuns took five vows.
- The five vows are killing, stealing, lying, celibacy and non-possession in negative form.
- Anekantavada means the theory of many-sidedness.
- All entities have three aspects: Dravya, Guna and Paryaya.
- Syadvada means the theory of “may be”.
- The main aim of Jainism is liberation.
- Liberation is attained through Triratna.
- Triratna means Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Action.
- The five doctrines are Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha and Brahmacharya.
- Uttaradhyayana is a Prakrit text.
- Jain Kalpasutra has three sections.
- Jainism is divided into Digambara and Svetambara sects.
- Svetambara monks wear white clothes.
- Sthulabhadra was the propounder of Svetambara sect.
- Digambara monks follow all five vows.
- Bhadrabahu was the propounder of Digambara sect.
- Division in Jainism occurred because of a 12-year famine in Magadha.
- Chandragupta Maurya joined Bhadrabahu’s march towards South India.
- Chandragupta Maurya died observing Sallekhana.
- Hemchandra was patronised by Siddharaja/Jayasimha and Kumarapala.