Birth Anniversary of Lord Mahavir

In Context

• The Prime Minister recalls the noble teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir on Mahavir Jayanti.
  • The occasion is considered to be the most important one for Jains and marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir.

About Mahavira 

• Birth: In Ikshvaku dynasty of Kshatriyakund (Vaishali republic) in Bihar.
• Kshatriya prince of Lichchhavis (Vajji Sangha).
• At 42, he attained Kevaljnan by right knowledge, faith & conduct (3 Jewels of Jainism).
• Became Jina (conqueror) and 24^th Tirthankara.
• Death: Mahaparinirvana at Pavapuri (Patna).

Teachings and Contributions

• Questioned Vedas’ authority & emphasised on individual agency.
• Added 1 more vow to already existing 4 vows (Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha & Brahmacharya).
• His 11 ganadhars (chief disciples) compiled Agamas (12 scriptures based on his teachings).
• Used easy-to-understand Prakrit language.

Jainism

• Term originates from Jina (conqueror).
• Supported mainly by Vaishyas (traders) in opposition to Brahmin-Kshatriya.
• Asceticism & penance required for freedom from cycle of birth & rebirth, shaped through karma, (Ghati & Aghati) responsible for distortions of soul.
• 7 tattvas of Jain Philosophy: Jiva, Ajiva, Asrava, Bandha, Samvara, Nirjara & Moksha.
• Spread: North India, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu & Karnataka.
• Literature: Written in Prakrit, Sanskrit & Tamil & classified in Agam & Non-Agam.
• Jain Sangh Composition: Sadhus, Sadhvis, Shravaks & Shravikas.
• Philosophy
  • Anekantavada: metaphysical/reality theory & non-absolutism/many-sidedness.
  • Syadvada: epistemological/knowledge theory & conditional judgments
• Jain Councils
  • 1st: Patliputra in 300 BC for compilation of Angas.
  • 2nd: Vallabhi in 512 AD for final compilation of 12 Angas & Upangas.
• Sects
  • Digambar (sky clad): Led by Bhadrabahu, moved to South, more austere.
    • Major Sub-sects: Bisapantha, Terapantha & Taranapantha.
    • Minor Sub-sects: Gumanapantha & Totapantha.
  • Shwetamber (white clad): Led by Sthulabhadra & stayed in North.
    • Sub-sects: Murtipujaka, Sthanakvasi & Terapanthi.

Source: PIB