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Spiritual India - Religion - Jainism

by S. Chatterjee

Jainism is one of the oldest living religions in the world. It was founded by Mahavira in 6th century BC and has remained more or less unchanged for centuries. Mahavira was born in Kudargram near Patna. He renounced an opulent lifestyle to become an ascetic, and took up severe penance and austerities before he finally attained enlightenment at Jrimbhika Grama. Thereafter, he preached the path of total abstinence and renunciation from all worldly desires to attain moksha or salvation.

The teachings of Mahavira are now codified and form the basis of the Jain religion. Jains believe in a cosmic cycle of births and re-births, salvation from which can be gained only through right belief, conduct and knowledge. They are strict vegetarians and non-violence or Ahimsa is the main doctrine. The religion lays down some very strict rules upon its followers. The practices are more severe for the monks, as compared to the normal householder.

The basic doctrine has not undergone any major change since the 6th century. However, different sects do exist. The Svetambara or the white-clad, and the Digambara or the sky-clad, are the two main sects of the Jains. The difference exists mainly in the Digambar practices being more austere and ascetic.

Compared to Buddhism which was also founded round about the same time, Jainism does not have as many followers. The stricter Jain conduct is possibly the reason for this. 11th century AD is considered to be the golden period in Jain history, when many kings and commoners converted to Jainism, especially in Rajasthan. A large part of the trader community in western India converted to Jainism to get a better social standing. In the Hindu caste system, they were third in the hierarchy, behind the Brahmins and the kings.

Jainism In India
Today, Jainism is followed by approximately 7 million people in India, which is a small percentage of the Indian population. Most of them belong to Karnataka in the south, or Gujarat and Rajasthan in the west. Even so, the Jains are a prominent community and have been able to maintain their cultural identity. Today, they are also among the most affluent in India. However, they maintain an extremely simple lifestyle, in conformity with the Jain ideology.

The Jains have built many exquisite temples all over India. The restrained austerity of the Jain way of life has its anti-thesis in the delightful exuberance, even opulence, that one sees in these temples. The Dilwara temples at Mount Abu and the temples of Ranakpur are prime examples of this.

Jain Festivals
Many religious practices of the Jains are similar to those of the Hindus. Hindu festivals with different connotations are celebrated by the Jains. The Jains celebrate Diwali, Holi and the birthday of Ganesha, just like the Hindus. Mahavira Jayanti, the birthday of Lord Mahavira is however their most important festival. Monsoons are an extremely significant period and a festival called Paryushana is celebrated about one and a half months after the monsoons.