Jainism: Important Facts-I

• The Jain Tirthankaras, Lord Aristanemi (22nd Tirthankar) and Lord Rishabh Nath (1st Tirthankar) has been mentioned in Rigveda.

• Kashi is the birthplace of Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism.

• According to traditional accounts, Mahavira achieved Kevala Jnana (omniscience, or infinite knowledge) under a Sala tree on the bank of the River Rijubalika near Jrimbhikagrama at age 43 after twelve years of rigorous penance.

• The followers of Parsvnath were called –Nirganth.

• Saptaphangi knowledge of Jain philosophy is called– Answer: Saadwad.

• Nirjara is one of the seven fundamental principles, or Tattva in Jain philosophy, and refers to the shedding or removal of accumulated karmas from the atma(soul), essential for breaking free from samsara, the cycle of birth-death and rebirth, by achieving moksha, liberation.

• Shravanabelagola is a town located in Hassan district in the Indian state of Karnataka . The Gommateshwara Bahubali statue at Shravanabelagola is one of the most important tirthas (pilgrimage destinations) in Jainism, one that reached a peak in architectural and sculptural activity under the patronage of Western Ganga dynasty of Talakad. Chandragupta Maurya is said to have died here in 298 BCE after he became a Jain monk.

• In Jainism, nonviolence principle has been emphasized the most.

• Bhadrabahu is credited for carrying Jainism to South India.

• The first session of Jainism was held In Pataliputra and under the chairmanship of Sthulbdra. After the first session Shwetambar and Digambar sect of Jainism came into existence.

• The texts related to Jainism are called-ang, upaang tatha poorv.

• Jain monasteries are called –Basdi.