Jainism
An ancient path of non-violence and self-conquest
Jainism is one of the world’s oldest living religions. Its goal is the liberation of every soul through its own effort — by conquering attachment and aversion, without relying on a creator god.
about/hero.jpg · 1200×800The word
What does “Jain” mean?
A Jina is a “conqueror” — one who has conquered the inner enemies of anger, pride, deceit and greed. A Jain is a follower of the Jinas. Jinavani means the voice, or teaching, of the Jinas.
The Jinas who re-establish the path for others are called Tirthankaras — “ford-makers” who build a crossing over the ocean of worldly life (samsara). In our present time cycle there have been 24.
- Jinaजिन
- “Conqueror” — one who has conquered anger, pride, deceit and greed.
- Tirthankaraतीर्थंकर
- “Ford-maker” — builds a crossing over the ocean of worldly life.
- Jinavaniजिनवाणी
- “The voice of the Jinas” — their teaching, passed down to us.
about/mahavira.jpg · 1200×800History
Bhagwan Mahavira
Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, was born in present-day Bihar — at Kundalpur near Nalanda in Digambara tradition (many historians place his birthplace near Vaishali). Traditionally dated 599–527 BCE, he renounced royal life at 30, spent twelve years in austerity and meditation, attained omniscience (Kevala Jnana), and taught for thirty years before attaining nirvana at Pavapuri.
Mahavira did not found Jainism. Jains see him as the last of 24 teachers who revived an eternal path; his predecessor Parshvanatha is also widely accepted by historians as a historical figure.
- BirthKundalpur, Bihar
- RenunciationAt age 30
- Kevala JnanaAfter 12 years of tapas
- NirvanaPavapuri, at 72
Philosophy
The soul and karma
Every living being — from a human to a plant or a microbe — has a soul (jiva) whose true nature is infinite knowledge, perception, bliss and energy. That nature is clouded by karma: subtle matter that binds to the soul through passions and careless action.
When all karma is shed, the soul is liberated (moksha) and becomes a Siddha — pure, and never born again.
about/soul-and-karma.jpg · 1600×900Framework
The seven tattvas
Jain philosophy explains bondage and liberation through seven fundamental realities.
1–2 What exists
JivaSoul — the conscious, living self.AjivaNon-soul — matter, space, time, and the media of motion and rest.3–4 How the soul is bound
AsravaThe inflow of karma into the soul.BandhaThe binding of karma with the soul.5–6 How it is freed
SamvaraStopping the inflow of new karma.NirjaraShedding karma already bound, through austerity.7 The goal
MokshaComplete liberation from all karma.
about/two-traditions.jpg · 1600×900Traditions
Digambara and Svetambara
Jainism has two main traditions that share the same core teachings. Digambara (“sky-clad”) monks renounce all possessions, including clothing. Svetambara (“white-clad”) monks and nuns wear simple white robes. They differ on some scriptures, on whether women can attain liberation in this life, and in details of ritual and iconography.
Jinavani presents what the traditions share, and notes clearly where they differ.
Digambara · “sky-clad”
- Munis renounce everything, including clothing; they keep only a pichhi and kamandal.
- Tirthankara images are unclothed and unornamented, eyes lowered in meditation.
- Scripture: the Shatkhandagama and the works of Kundakunda and Umaswami.
Svetambara · “white-clad”
- Monks and nuns wear simple white robes and carry a few essential items.
- Temple images are often shown with a lower garment, inlaid eyes and ornaments.
- Scripture: about forty-five canonical texts fixed at the Council of Valabhi.
See all the differences on the Tirthankaras page →
TeachingsContinue to the heart of Jain teachingRead more →The Jain year
Jain festivals
Jain festivals celebrate the soul’s journey rather than worldly events — most are marked by fasting, prayer, forgiveness and giving. They follow the lunar calendar, so dates move each year.
Exact dates for each year will be added to a Jinavani calendar. Until then, please confirm with your local temple or panchang.
- March – AprilChaitra Shukla 13
Mahavir Janma Kalyanak
The birth of Bhagwan Mahavira (Mahavir Jayanti), celebrated with processions, abhisheka of the Jina image, and charity.
- April – MayVaishakha Shukla 3
Akshaya Tritiya
Recalls Rishabhanatha breaking his long fast with sugarcane juice offered by Prince Shreyansa. Those completing the year-long Varshitap fast break it on this day.
- August – SeptemberBhadrapada
Paryushan & Das Lakshan Parva
The most important Jain festival. Svetambaras observe eight days of Paryushan, ending in Samvatsari. Digambaras observe ten days of Das Lakshan, each devoted to one virtue: forgiveness, humility, straightforwardness, purity, truth, self-restraint, austerity, renunciation, non-possession and celibacy.
- August – SeptemberEnd of Paryushan / Das Lakshan
Samvatsari & Kshamavani
The day of forgiveness. Jains ask forgiveness of everyone — and of all living beings — with the words “Micchami Dukkadam”: may all my wrongs be in vain.
- October – NovemberKartika Amavasya
Diwali — Mahavira Nirvana
Marks Mahavira’s nirvana at Pavapuri; lamps stand for the light of knowledge he left behind. His chief disciple Gautam Swami attained omniscience that night, and the Jain new year (Vira Nirvana Samvat) begins the next day.
- October – NovemberKartika Shukla 5
Gyan Panchami
A day to honour knowledge — scriptures are cleaned, displayed and worshipped. Digambaras celebrate Shruta Panchami in Jyeshtha (May – June).
Once in about twelve years
Mahamastakabhisheka
Shravanabelagola, Karnataka
The grand anointing of the Bahubali statue — water, milk, sugarcane juice, saffron and flowers poured from above. One of the largest Jain gatherings in the world.
