Jainisam (Indian History - 02)

• Vardhamana Mahavira was believed to have born in 540 BC in Kundala Grama in Vaishali the capital of Vajji. Now it is in Mussafar district in Bihar.
• He belonged to Jnatrika Kshatriya clan.
• Mahavira’s family was connected with the royal family of Magadha.
• The word ‘Jaina’ was originated from the word ‘Jina’ which means conqueror.
• Jainism speaks about 24 thinthankaras. Mahavira was the 24th Thirthankara, who is considered as the founder of Jainism.
• Rishabha was the first Thirthankara. Neminath 
• and Parswanatha were the 22nd and 23rd 
• Thirthankaras respectively.
• Bhagavatapurana, Vishnupurana, Vayupurana, etc mentions about Rishabhadeva.
• Sidhartha, ruler of Nandadynasty which ruled Kundalapuri, was the father of Vardhmana Mahavira.
• Mahavira’s mother was Trissala and Yasodha was his wife.

• Jameli was the daughter of Mahavira.
• Mahavira is also known as ‘Vaishalia’ as he was born in Vaishali.
• He got Kaivalya at the age of 42 under a Sal tree on the bank of river Rajpalika near Village Jimbhrikagrama.
• At first Mahavira followed the practice of an ascetic group called Nirgrandhas , which earlier led by Parswanath.
• Makhali Gosala was a companion of Mahavira. Who later founded the Ajivika sect.
• Mahavira attained Nirvana at the age of 72 at Pavapuri near Rajagriha in 468 BC.
• Jains observe the day of his nirvana as Dipavali.
• Gautama Indrabhuti is considered as his first desciple.
• Jain sacred texts are called Angas.
• Jain texts were written under Bhadrabahu in BC 296.
• Jain texts were written in the Prakrit language of Ardhamagadhi.
• ‘Ahimsa Paramo Dharma’ is the sacred hymn of Jainism.
• Ahimsa, Satya, Asateya, Aparigriha and Brahmacharya are the five major principles of Jainism.
• Brahmacharya is the principle added by Mahavira.
• Mahavira taught the three Jewels of Jainism (Triratna) - Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct.
• The Jains repudiated the authority or infallibility of the vedas. The Jains rejected the concept of Universal soul or a supreme power as the creator and sustainer of the Universe.
• Jainism does not condemn the Varna system. Mahavira believed that all individuals  irrespective of caste can strive for liberation through good deeds and living.
• First Jain council was held at Pataliputra in the fourth century BC under the leadership of Stulabahu.
• Second Jain council was held at Vallabhipur in third Century BC under the leadership of Aryaskandil Nagarjuna Suri.
• Third Jain council was held at Vallabhipur in Gujarat in 5th Century AD under the leadership of Devardhi Kshamasramana.
• Jainism was divided into two sects Swetambaras and Digambaras after the first Jain Council.
• Digambaras are sky-clad or naked and 
• swetambaras are clad in white.
• Gomateshwara statue is situated in Sravana belgola.
• ‘Syad Vada’ is a Jain philosophy of Knowledge.
• Kharavela of Kalinga gave patronage to Jainism.
• Mahavir Jayanti and Rakshabandan are the festive occassions of Jainism. 
• Temple on the Mount Abu in Rajasthan is a famous centre of Jain worship.
• Jain Temple at Sravanabelgola in Hassan district in Mysore is known as ‘Kasi of the Jains’.
• Names of Rishabhadeva and Arishtanemi are also mentioned in the Rigveda.
• Chandragupta Maurya the founder of the Mauryan Empire, abdicated the throne towards the end of his life, accepted Jainism reached Sravanabelgola and died there.

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