SSC CGL GK: Important Facts About Jainism

1. JAINISM
MOST IMPORTANT GK FACTS
SSC CGL 2018

3. • Jainism is an ancient religion in India. Followers of Jainism are called “Jains” meaning Jina
(Victor).
• Jainism emphasises on Ahimsa (Non-Violence).
• Lord Rishabhnath was the founder of Jainism.
• There are a total of 24 teachers or Tirthankaras in Jainism.
• Lord Vardhaman Mahavira was the last (24th )Tirthankara.
Introduction

4. Lord Mahavira
• Lord Mahavir was born in 540 B.C in Kundagram, Vaishali (Bihar). He was the contemporary of
Gautam Buddha.
• At the age of 30 ,he left his home in pursuit of spiritual awakening. Wandered for approx 12.5
years in intense meditation and penance (no comfort, extreme difficulty imposed upon oneself).
• He attained Kevala-Gyan or enlightenment at Sal tree on river Rijupalika, Jimbikagram (modern
day Bihar).
• He is also known by other names as Arihant, Mahavira, Tirthankar, Nirgrantha, Jina,
Vardhaman, Kevlin .

5. • He attained Nirvana at Rajgir (Nalanda district , Bihar).
• Mahavira rejected the authority of Vedas and Vedic rituals. He did not believe in existence of
God.
• Lord Mahavira died in in Pawapuri (now Bihar).
•Mahavira was believed to be born in the royal Kshatriya family. Father : King Siddhartha ,
Mother: Queen Trishala of the Ikshvaku dynasty.

6. • Main Jain festivals :
• Mahamastakabhisheka festival (held every 12 years) : In honour of Lord Bahubali
(Gommatesvara). He was the son of the 1st Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhanatha. This takes
place in Sravanabelgola in Karnataka.
• Mahavira Jayanti : Lord Mahavira’s birthday
• Paryushana : This is the oldest known Jain festival.
• Diwali : This is the day when Mahavira attained nirvana or moksha.

7. • 2 Jain Councils :
• 1st at Patliputra, 300 B.C by Shool Bhadra . Outcome was that Mahavir’s teaching
were complied in Angas.
• 2nd Council at Vallabhi(Gujrat), 512 A.D . Outcome was the division of Jains into:
1. Digambara(No clothes, more strict Code of Conduct)
2. Swetambara(White clothes, they can adjust themselves )
• So, 2 sects in Jainism.

8. • Anekantavada or Syadvada : This theory was propounded by Lord mahavira.
•Most important doctrine of Jainism.
• Talks about Pluralism(No absolute truth) and multiplicity of viewpoints.
•Truth and reality are perceived differently from different point of views.
• Doctrines of Jainism : 5 in number (Panchmahavrata)
1.Ahimsa | 2.Satya | 3.Asteya(Don’t steal) | 4.Aparigraha(Don’t acquire
property) | 5. Brhmacharya .

9. • Scriptures and texts
• Jain scriptures are called Agamas.
• Kalpa Sutra is a Jain text containing the biographies of the Jain Tirthankaras,
notably Parshvanatha and Mahavira.
• Tattvarthasūtra is considered authoritative Jain philosophy text by all traditions of
Jainism.
• Other important Jain texts include: Samayasara, Ratnakaranda śrāvakācāra,
and Niyamasara.

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