NOTES ON JAINISM
- 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.
- 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.
- ‘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 Sravanabelgola.
- ‘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
No comments:
Post a Comment