Introduction
Vardhamana founded Jainism as a religion. He was known to his followers as Mahavira. He was the last of the 24 tirthankaras of Jainism. Parsva was the 23rd Tirthankara and Rishabadeva was the 1st. Mahavira was born in 540 B.C. at Kundagrama. His father--Siddhartha, chief of Kshatriya clan of Jnatrikas and his mother - Trishala was the daughter of Lichchavi chief Chetaka of Vaishali. His wife was Yasoda from whom a daughter was born who .was married to Jameli who became first disciple of Mahavira. Vardhamana left his house at the age of 30 after his parents' death and wandered for 12 years before enlightenment. During this period, for six years he was accompanied by another ascetic Gosala Muskriputra who later founded Ajivika sect. He attained Kaivalya or perfect knowledge at the norhern banks of river Rajupalika. Hereafter he was a Kevalin (omniscient), a Jina (conqueror), Jitendm, Mahavira (the great hero) and Tirthankara (Food-maker). For 30 years he wandered and died at the age of 72 in 468 B.C. at Pavapuri near Rajgir.
Mathura, Bundelkhand, Madhya Bharat and South India are full of Jaina statues. The gigantic statues or Bahubali called Gomateswara at Sravana Belagola and Karkal in Mysore are among the wonders of the world. The Jaina caves with their works and statues at Udaigiri hills near Bilsa and Ellora in Maharashtra are examples of excellent architecture and sculpture of the period. Jaina temples at Mount Abu in Rajasthan are wellknown.
Important facts about Mahavira:
| Original Name | Vardhamana |
| Birth | 540 BC |
| Place of Birth | Kundalgram near Vaishali in north Bihar |
| Father | Siddhartha, Chief of Jantrika tribe |
| Mother | Trishla, Lichchavi princess |
| Wife | Yasoda |
| Became Monk At the age of | 30 |
| Period Of ascetism | 12 years |
| Cause of Death | Self-starvation (Santhara) |
| First diciple | Jamali |
Teachings of Jainism
(1) Karma and Transmigration: The Jainism believes in Karma and rebirth.
(2) Nirvana: It can be achieved by following the three-fold path---Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct. These are called Three Jewels or Tri Ratna.
(3) Soul: Though it denied the existence of the creator but it laid a great emphasis on Ahimsa.
(4) Virtuous Conduct: Jainism regards penances and even deaths by starvation as great virtue which consists of five vows: (i) Non-injury; (ii) Truthfulness; (iii) Non-stealing; (iv) Non-attachment; and (v) Celibacy.
(5) Language: Ardhamagadhi was used for writing religious literature. The earliest texts were 14 Purvas which were replaced by l2 Angas after the Council held at Pataliputra around 300 B.C.
Important Facts about Jainism:
Jainism believes in Anekantavada; that the reality has indefinite number of aspects and attributes.
Syadavada : Saptabhangi, accepts it, no absolute and final affirmation of denial is possible because knowledge is a relative quality.
Jain Councils
First Jain Council: It was held at Pataliputra, under Sthula-Bhadra (after the death of Bhadrabahu). It established a part of Jain canon called Siddhanta, from which the canon of Svetambaras derived.
Second Jain Council: It.was held at Vallabhi (Gujarat), under the presidentship of Devardhi Kshama-sramana, (5th Century A.D). Its object was to collect all the sacred texts and give them the shape of books.
| Council | Place | Year | Chairman |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Patliputra | 300 BC | Sthalabahu |
| Second | Vallabhi | 512 AD | Davarthi Kshamassamana |
Further splits took place among both the Digambaras and the Swetambaras in about 6th century AD. The Swetambarans split into Terapanthis and Digambaras into Samariyas. Both of them renounced idol worship altogether and devoted them selves to the worship of the scriptures.
Related Questions
1. Sher Shah died while fighting in : -- View Answer2. Match the following :
A. Second Battle of Panipat 1. Decline of Vijayanagar
B. Second Battle of Tarain 2. British rule in India
C. Battle of Talikota 3. Turkish rule in India
D. Battle of Plassey 4. Mughal rule in India
5. Slave dynasty in India
Below options are given in A B C D order. -- View Answer
3. Hindustan is a country of few charms. Its people have no good looks..'
Which Mughal king had recorded this in his memoirs? -- View Answer
4. The first Indian ruler to organise Haj pilgrimage at the expense of the state was : -- View Answer
5. Who amongst the following lost the kingdom in Hindustan but retrieved it after 15 years in exile? -- View Answer
6. The coin rupia was first issued by : -- View Answer
7. Who was the ruler of medieval India who is credited with the building of the Grand Trunk Road? -- View Answer
8. Since ages the women of Maharashtra have proved themselves equal to men on battlefield. Famous Chandbibi of Ahmednagar fought to protect her kingdom against : -- View Answer
9. Who was the Afghan ruler of India whose administrative system was emulated by the British? -- View Answer
10. About whom it was said 'He was a fortunate soldier but not an able Empire builder"? -- View Answer
Related Quizes
More Questions and Answers
1. Indus Valley Civilization2. Vedic Age-The Aryans
3. Religious movements-Buddhism and Jainism
4. Mahajanapadas-The Magadha empire
5. The Mauryan Empire and Sangam Age
6. Post Mauryan Period
7. Guptas and Post Gupta
8. The invasion of Arabs
9. Bhakti movement
10. Mughal Empire
11. Advent of Europeans
12. Expansion of British Supremacy
13. Indian National Movement
Related Articles
1. Buddhism2. Central Asians
3. Mauryan dynasty
4. Pre History
5. Sangam Age
