When Mahavir Jayanti Celebrated?
According to the Panchang, this day is celebrated on the Trayodashi of Shukla Paksha, falling in the month of Chaitra. It is believed in Sanatan Dharma that he was born on this day.
This festival falls in March or April, and it is celebrated as the birth of Lord Mahavir. On this day, a procession is taken out to please Mahavirji, worshipping him.
History of Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir was born in a Kshatriya royal family. His father’s name was Siddhartha, and his mother’s name was Priyakarini. He renounced the extended life of the palace in his thirties. After that, he went on the path of spiritual training.
He conquered all desires and diseases with his intense meditation. Later they started calling Vardhaman Mahavir. But his journey does not stop here. He contributed to the eradication of malpractices and superstitions in society.
Mahavira has three basic principles. It includes the first of non-violence and truth and the third of many virtues. These three principles represent the art of living. Not only who can achieve this, happiness and peace by following them in today’s stressful life. Mahavira’s non-violence is not only concerned with the body or the outside, and it is also related to the mental and inner life. Mahavir forbids mind-speech-actions and violence done by any media.
Mahavir Bhagwan said that non-violence is not only violence protecting living beings or harming animals. But if someone needs our help, then we can help him, but if he has not done so yet, that is also a kind of violence. So, if someone ever needs help, you can’t deny it.
Mahavira established four pilgrimages: Samu, Seventh, Shravaka, and Shravika, hence Tirthankara. Pilgrimage here does not mean pilgrimage to one’s soul by spiritual worship, but non-violence, the practice of helping others.
Importance of Mahavir Jayanti
Although people of Hinduism also make the festival of Mahavir Jayanti, Mahavir Jayanti is specially made by the people of Jainism. Talking about Hinduism, they were born during King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala.
In today’s time, this place is famous as Bihar. Whose dream came to Queen Trishala after 14 days. Who prophesied in this dream that this child born will become a Tirthankar in the future and will show the path of religion to the society by attaining spiritual knowledge.
Mahavir Ji looked at all beings with equal eyes. Lord Mahavir attained spiritual enlightenment after 12 years of rigorous penance. During this penance, he had faced hardships and many problems. Puja is organized on a large scale in the temple located in Pawapuri in Bihar and the Jain temple in Kolkata. On this day, devotees worship Lord Mahavir Ji with full faith and reverence and organize worship.
The fact that it is celebrated with the utmost humility and simplicity is what makes this festival unique. Jain communities throughout the country honor and celebrate the birth of Saint Mahavir with great devotion. The idol of Lord Mahavir is carried out on a chariot, in a procession called Rath Yatra. On the way religious rhymes are recited. Statues of Lord Mahavir are given a ceremonial anointment called the Abhishek. On this auspicious day, most members of the Jain community engage in some sort of charitable act, prayers, pujas, and observe fasts. Lectures by monks and nuns are held in temples to preach the path of virtue as defined by Lord Mahavir. Ancient Jain temples across India typically see an extremely high volume of practitioners come to pay their respects and join in the celebrations.
But have you ever wondered what is the story behind this festival of peace and nonviolence?
Mahavir was born in Kundalagrama, Bihar, on the 13th day of the Chaitra month or the 13th day of the waxing moon in the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar. King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala gave birth to him. His birth date, however, is occasionally disputed among Swetambar Jains, who believe he was born in 599 BC, and Digambar Jains, who believe he was born in 615 BC. If legends are to be believed, Lord Mahavir was conceived by Devananda, the wife of Brahmin Rishabhdeva, and by a miracle, the embryo transferred to the womb of Trisala. Trisala, the expectant mother saw 16 dreams before Mahavir was born, which was interpreted by astrologers as signifying the coming of a great soul. Indeed, the child became a great man. Lord Mahavir was married initially but he left his kingdom to seek greater truth and attain Nirvana and abandoned all worldly pleasures and walked the path of an ascetic at the age of 30.
Mahavir Jayanti is the day of Lord Mahavir’s birth and is considered as one of the most auspicious days in the country. The spiritual power and moral greatness of Lord Mahavir’s teachings impressed many individuals during his time. He made Jainism, a religion so simple and free from various ritual complexities and inspired many to follow his path. His message and teachings regarding universal love will continue to live forever.
Lord Mahavir is considered as one of the finest and greatest prophets of social reformation and peace. He was a propagator of Jainism and he followed the footsteps of his predecessor Teerthankara Parshvanatha. Lord Mahavir spread the message of salvation and non-violence and his thoughts influenced many followers. He developed a five-fold path for all householders to follow and these are ‘Ahimsa’, ‘Asteya’, ‘Brahmacharya’, ‘Satya’ and ‘Aparigraha’. Jains follow these vows to live in peace and harmony. Lord Mahavir expressed his teachings based on scientific explanations of nature and the true meaning of life. His teachings are still followed today not only Jain communities alone but others as well.
On this day people try to remember the teachings of Lord Mahavir and also make promises that they will not hurt anyone in the future; knowingly and unknowingly. The struggles and hardships faced by Lord Mahavir portray how great his individuality and his personality was.
In His life stories, Lord Mahavir demonstrates non-violence (Ahimsa), courage (Abhay), friendship (Maitri), compassion (Anukampa), love (Vaysalya) and equanimity (Samta) to the utmost degree.
At the heart of right conduct for Jains, lie the five great vows:
- Nonviolence (Ahimsa) – not to cause harm to any living beings
- Truthfulness (Satya) – to speak the harmless truth only
- Non-stealing (Asteya) – not to take anything not properly given
- Chastity (Brahmacharya) – not to indulge in sensual pleasure
- Non-possession/Non-attachment (Aparigraha) – complete detachment from people, places, and material things
All Paths Laid Down By All Seers Lead To The Same Goal
Jainism, the religion that was rendered an all- India movement by Mahavir, extols jina (the heroic conqueror of the senses), the emotions and the stratagems of the intellect. He called upon all to carry out the duties commensurate to their status and professions, with steady faith and enthusiasm. He declared that all things and beings are holy in their own right and are but pilgrims on the road to Realisation. Any Injury inflicted on any of them is an intervention in that sacred journey and so has to be scrupulously avoided.1
“Namaskar” Is The Message Of Unity
When the senses are allowed to have their way, all kinds of reactions occur. It is only when the senses are brought under unified control that the nature of Divinity can be comprehended. The eyes have the power of sight. The ears can hear. The powers of all the sense organs – seeing, hearing, speaking, etc., are derived from the Divine. It is the Divine that enables the eyes to see, the ears to hear, the mind to think and to have various experiences. It is when all these sensory processes are brought under unified control (by the conquest of the senses) that man becomes a conqueror a “Jina” – as termed by the Jains. Because he had conquered his senses the title of victor was conferred on Mahavira.2
Five-fold Adoration
Jain mode of worship (Jainopasana). The Jains have as their mantra:
Namo arihanthanam
Namo siddhanaam
Namo ayiriyanam
Namo uvajjhayanam
Namo Loye savva sahuunam
Salutations to the great heroes who have conquered desire, etc.
Salutations to those equipped with supernatural powers.
Salutations to the great masters of spiritual wisdom.
Salutations to the great teachers who transmit the wisdom.
Salutations to the good persons of all lands.
This five-fold adoration helps remove the evil effects of all sinful acts. Experiencing the meaning of this mantra gives one the sum of prosperity. The Jains declare that when one merges in this universal adoration, one is liberated and attains moksha.
In Jainism also, the same truth was taught by Mahavir. When the senses are allowed to have their way, all kinds of reactions occur. It is only when the senses are brought under unified control that the nature of Divinity can be comprehended. The eyes have the power of sight. The ears can hear. The powers of all the sense organs – seeing, hearing, speaking, etc., are derived from the Divine. It is the Divine that enables the eyes to see, the ears to hear, the mind to think and to have various experiences. It is when all these sensory processes are brought under unified control (by the conquest of the senses) that man becomes a conqueror a “Jina” – as termed by the Jains. Because he had conquered his senses the title of victor was conferred on Mahavira.
Lord Mahavir Sayings(Thoughts)
- The greatest mistake of a soul is non-recognition of its real self and can only be corrected by recognizing the self.
- Lord Mahavir Sayings: Every soul is independent, none depends on another.
- There is no separate existence of God. Everybody can attain god-hood by making supreme efforts in the right direction.
- All unenlightened persons produce sufferings. Having become deluded, they produce and reproduce sufferings, in this endless world.
- A living body is not merely an integration of limbs and flesh but it is the abode of the soul which potentially has perfect perception (Anant-darshana), perfect knowledge (Anant-jnana), perfect power (Anant-virya), and perfect bliss (Anant-sukha).
- Just as a threaded (sasutra) needle is secure from being lost, in the same way a person given to self-study (sasutra) cannot be lost.
- Every soul is in itself absolutely omniscient and blissful. The bliss does not come from outside.
- The soul comes alone and goes alone, no one companies it and no one becomes its mate.
- Only that science is a great and the best of all sciences, the study of which frees man from all kinds of miseries.
- That with the help of which we can know the truth, control the restless mind, and purify the soul is called knowledge in the Jaina doctrine.
- “Can you hold a red-hot iron rod in your hand merely because some one wants you to do so? Then, will it be right on your part to ask others to do the same thing just to satisfy your desires? If you cannot tolerate infliction of pain on your body or mind by others’ words and actions, what right have you to do the same to others through your words and deeds?”
- That which subdues passions, leads to beatitude and fosters friendliness is called knowledge in the Jaina doctrine.
- The unenlightened takes millions of lives to extirpate the effects of karma whereas a man possessing spiritual knowledge and discipline obliterates them in a single moment.
- The nights that have departed will never return. They have been wasted by those given to unrighteousness.
- Those who are ignorant of the supreme purpose of life will never be able to attain nirvana (liberation) in spite of their observance of the vratas (vows) and niymas (rules) of religious conduct and practice of sila (celibacy) and tapas (penance).
- My soul characterized by knowledge and faith is alone eternal. All other phases of my existence to which I am attached are external occurrences that are transitory.
- Righteousness consists in complete self-absorption and in giving up all kinds of passions including attachment. It is the only means of transcending the mundane existence. The Jinas have said so.
- Lord Mahavir Sayings: Don’t kill any living beings. Don’t try to rule them.
- The essence of all knowledge consists in not committing violence. The doctrine of ahimsa is nothing but the observance of equality i.e. the realization that just as I do not like misery, others also do not like it. Knowing this, one should not kill anybody.
- Just as you do not like misery, in the same way others also do not like it. Knowing this, you should do unto them what you want them to do unto you.
- To kill any living being amounts to killing one self. Compassion to others is compassion to one’s own self. Therefore one should avoid violence like poison and thorn (that cause pain).
- Don’t be proud if you gain. Nor be sorry if you lose.
- One who cultivates an attitude of equality towards all living beings, mobile and stationary, can attain equanimity. Thus do the kevalis say.
- Only the one who has transcended fear can experience equanimity.
- (One should reflect thus:) Let me treat all living beings with equanimity and none with enmity. Let me attain samadhi (tranquility) by becoming free from expectations.
- Let me renounce the bondage of attachment and hatred, pride and meekness, curiosity, fear, sorrow, indulgence and abhorrence (in order to accomplish equanimity).
- Let me give up attachment through unattachment. My soul will be my only support (in this practice of unattachment). (Hence) let me give up everything else.
- Just as I do not like misery, so do others. Knowing this, one neither kills, nor gets killed. A sramana is so called because he behaves equanimously.
- One who remains equanimously in the midst of pleasures and pains is a sramana, being in the state of pure consciousness.
- A sramana devoid of the knowledge of Agama does neither know himself, nor others.
- Other beings perceive through their senses whereas the sramana perceives through the Agama.
- One devoted whole-heartedly to knowledge, faith and right conduct equally accomplishes in full the task of the sramana.
- O Self! Practice Truth, and nothing but Truth.
- Enlightened by the light of Truth, the wise transcends death.
- Lord Mahavir Sayings: Truth alone is the essence in the world.
- The ascetic who never thinks of telling a lie out of attachment, aversion or delusion is indeed the practiser of the second vrata of truthfulness.
- A truthful man is treated as reliable as the mother, as venerable as the guru (preceptor) and as beloved as the one who commands knowledge.
- Truthfulness indeed is tapa (penance). In truthfulness do reside self-restraint and all other virtues. Just as the fish can live only in the sea, so can all other virtues reside in truthfulness alone.
- One may have a tuft or matted hair on the head or a shaven head, remain naked or wear a rag. But if he tells a lie, all this is futile and fruitless.
- One can bear all kinds of unbearable pain caused by spikes in expectation of wealth etc. But he alone who tolerates without any motive of worldly gain, harsh words spoken to him is venerable.
- One should not speak unless asked to do so. He should not disturb others in conversation.
- He should not backbite and indulge in fraudulent untruth.
- One should not utter displeasing words that arouse ill feelings in others. One should not indulge in speech conducive to the evil.
- Discipline of speech consists in refraining from telling lies and in observing silence.
- The sadhaka (one who practices spiritual discipline) speaks words that are measured and beneficial to all living beings.
- The bhiksu (ascetic) should not be angry with one who abuses him. Otherwise he would be like the ignoramus. He should not therefore lose his temper.
- If somebody were to beat a disciplined and restrained ascetic, the latter should not think of avenging himself considering the soul to be imperishable.
- As gold does not cease to be gold even if it is heated in the fire; an enlightened man does not cease to be enlightened on being tortured by the effect of karma.
- A thief feels neither pity nor shame, nor does he posses discipline and faith. There is no evil that he cannot do for wealth.
- On the aggravation of one’s greed, a person fails to distinguish between what should be done and what should not be done. He is a daredevil, who cannot commit any offence even at the cost of his own life.
- By practicing celibacy one can fulfill all other vows – chastity, tapas (penance), vinaya (humility), samyama (self restraint), forgiveness, self-protection and detachment.
- Knowing that pleasing sound, beauty, fragrance, pleasant taste and soothing touch are transitory transformations of matter, the celibate should not be enamored of them.
- The soul is the Brahman. Brahmacharya is therefore nothing but spiritual conduct of the ascetic concerning the soul, who has snapped out of relationship with alien body.
- An amorous person, failing to achieve his desired objects, becomes frantic and even ready to commit suicide by any means.
- The sun scorches only during the day, but cupid scorches in the day as well as in the night. One can protect oneself from the sun, but cannot from cupid.
- The more you get, the more you want. The greed increases with the gain. What could be accomplished by two masas (grams) of gold could not be done by ten millions.
- Knowing that the earth with its crops of rice and barley, with its gold and cattle, and all this put together will not satisfy one single man, one should practice penance.
- Just as fire is not quenched by the fuel and the ocean by thousands of rivers, similarly no living being is satisfied even with all the wealth of all the three worlds.
- Non-possessiveness controls the senses in the same way as a hook controls the elephant. As a ditch is useful for the protection of a town, so is non-attachment for the control of the senses.
- Greed even for a piece of straw, not to speak of precious things, produces sin. A greedless person, even if he wears a crown, cannot commit sin.
- One who, being swayed by wishful thinking becomes a victim of passions at every step, and does not ward off the desires, cannot practice asceticism.
- External renunciation is meaningless if the soul remains fettered by internal shackles.
- Living beings have desires. Desires consist in pleasure and pain.
- One who is constantly careful in his deportment is like the lily in the pond, untarnished by mud.
- Objects of the senses pollute knowledge if it is not protected by discipline.
- Discipline is the means of achieving liberation.
- Even the noble becomes mean in the company of the wicked, as precious necklace on the neck of a dead body.
- The ignoramus is always benighted. The enlightened is always wide awake.
- The five senses of the awakened always remain inactive. The five senses of the slumber always remain active. By means of the active five one acquires bondage while by means of the inactive five the bondage is severed.
- Just as everybody keeps away from a burning fire, so do the evils remain away from an enlightened person.
- Keep yourself always awake. One who keeps awake in creases his wisdom. He who falls asleep is wretched. Blessed is he who keeps awake.
- He who lies idle like a python simply wastes the ambrosia of wisdom. With the loss of his wisdom, he is no better than a bull.
- The yogi who is indifferent to worldly affairs remains spiritually alert to his own duty, namely, his duty towards his soul. On the other hand, one who indulges in worldly affairs is not dutiful to his soul.
- Birth is attended by death, youth by decay and fortune by misfortune. Thus everything in this world is momentary.
- The courageous as well as the cowardly must die. When death is inevitable for both, why should not one welcome death smilingly and with fortitude?
- Both the righteous and unrighteous must die. When death is inevitable for both, why should not one embrace death while maintaining good conduct?
- There is nothing as fearful as death, and there is no suffering as great as birth. Be free from the fear of both birth and death, by doing away with attachment to the body.
- Do not be in dread of the dreadful, the illness, the dis ease, the old age, and even the death or any other object of fear.
- The non vigilant has fear from all directions. The vigilant has none from any.
- Lord Mahavir Sayings: One who entertains fear finds himself lonely (and helpless).
- The valiant does not tolerate indulgence, nor does he tolerate abhorrence. As he is pleased with his own self, he is not attached to anything.
- As a tortoise withdraws his limbs within his own body, even so does the valiant withdraw his mind within himself from all sins.
- The enlightened should contemplate that his soul is endowed with boundless energy.
- Only that man can take a right decision, whose soul is not tormented by the afflictions of attachment and aversion.
- One who knows the spiritual (self) knows the external (world) too. He who knows the external world, knows the self also.
Jainism Multiple Choice Questions
- Who is the first Tirthankar?
A. Rishabhnath
B. Neminath
C. Parsvanath
D. Vardhaman
Answer: A. Rishabhnath - Who is the Tirthankar whose historicity is beyond doubt?
A. Rishabhnath
B. Ajitnath
C. Sumati
D. Parsvanath
Answer: D. Parsvanath - Who is the Tirthankar mentioned in Rigveda?
A. Rishabhnath
B. Abhinandan
C. Sambhav
D. Padam Prabh
Answer: A. Rishabhnath - Who are the Tirthankars mentioned in Vedic literature?
A. Rishabhdev and Neminath
B. Neminath and Aristanemi
C. Aristanemi and Rishabhdev
D. Rishabhdev and Parsva
Answer: C. Aristanemi and Rishabhdev - Parsvanath belonged to which state?
A. Magadh
B. Lichchhavi
C. Varanasi
D. Kosala
Answer: C. Varanasi - What is not correct about Parsvanath?
A. His father was king Asvasen.
B. He was against the caste system
C. He advocated Brahmacharya
D. He admitted women in his faith
Answer: C. He advocated Brahmacharya - Which is the birthplace of Mahavir?
A. Kushinagar
B. Pava
C. Kundagram
D. Jambhikgram
Answer: C. Kundagram - Mahavir received ‘Kevalya’ at the bank of which river?
A. Sharda
B. Saryu
C. Riju Palika
D. Son
Answer: C. Riju Palika - Mahavir’s father was
A. Suddodhana
B. Parsva
C. Siddhartha
D. Rahul
Answer: C. Siddhartha - Mahavir became ascetic with whose permission?
A. Father
B. Wife
C. Mother
D. Elder Brother
Answer: D. Elder Brother - Which Vrat was added by Mahavir to Vrats advocated by Parsva?
A. Ahimsa
B. Asteya
C. Aparigraha
D. Brahmacharya
Answer: D. Brahmacharya - Which is not included in Shiksha Vrat?
A. Entertain guests
B. Not traveling beyond a prescribed limit
C. Taking food in fixed quantity
D. Weekly fast
Answer: B. Not traveling beyond a prescribed limit - Which of the following are included in Guna Vrat?
A. Dig Vrat
B. Desh Vrat
C. Anartha Dand Vrat
D. All of these
Answer: D. All of these - Which is not a source of knowledge according to Jainism?
A. Pratyaksha
B. Anuman
C. Sayings of Tirthankar
D. Vedas
Answer: D. Vedas - Which is not a category of knowledge according to Jainism?
A. Shruti
B. Mati
C. Avadhi
D. Tantra
Answer: D. Tantra - Sins mentioned in Jainism do not
A. Anger
B. Violence
C. Dravya Morcha
D. Contact with woman
Answer: D. Contact with woman - Mahavir advocated as a path of salvation
A. Gyan
B. Bhakti
C. Tap
D. All the three
Answer: C. Tap - Which is not part of Jaina’s Tri Ratna?
A. Darshan
B. Gyan
C. Samadhi
D. Acharan
Answer: C. Samadhi - Six elements which create the world are-
A. Jeev, PudpalDharma, Kal. Vayu, Agni
B. Jeev, Pudgal, Dharma, Kal.
C. Jeev. Pudgal. Dharma, Adharma, Kal, Akash
D. Air, Water, Fire, Earth, Sky, Dharma
Answer: C. Jeev. Pudgal. Dharma, Adharma, Kal, Akash - In Jain philosophy, Pudgal refers to
A. Divine clement
B. Physical element
C. Spiritual element
D. None of these
Answer: B. Physical element - In which Jain work, 18 sins are described
A. Bhagwati Satra
B. Kalpa Sutra
C. Acharanga Sutra
D. Avashyak Sutra
Answer: D. Avashyak Sutra - In which ‘Angas’ are described the rules to be followed by the Jain monks?
A. Sutra Kridanga
B. Samavayanga
C. Sthananga
D. Ayarang
Answer: D. Ayarang - Jain literature has how many Angas?
A. Seven
B. Twelve
C. Five
D. Fourteen
Answer: B. Twelve - Who presided over first Jain Sangeeti?
A. Hem Chandra
B. Haribhadra
C. Sthoolbhadra
D. Jamali
Answer: C. Sthoolbhadra - The second Jain Sangeeti was-
A. Rajgriha
B. Vallabhi
C. Pataliputra
D. Kannauj
Answer: B. Vallabhi - The first conference of Jains was held at-
A. Raigriha
B. Vallabhi
C. Pataliputra
D. Mithila
Answer: C. Pataliputra - ‘Abhyanter Tap’ in Jainism means
A. Giving up juice
B. Meditation
C. A routine of a monkfurt
D. Fast
Answer: B. Meditation - Bahya (External) ‘Tap’ did not include-
A. Gradually giving up meals
B. Torture body through difficult Aunas
C. Control of sense organs
D. Self-study
Answer: D. Self-study - Who presided over second Jain Sangeeti?
A. Sthalbhadra
B. Haribhadra
C. Jamali
D. Devaridhikshama saman
Answer: C. Jamali - What does term Panchayam stand for
A. Five elements
B. Five rules
C. Five books
D. Five jewels
Answer: B. Five rules - Which of the following is incorrect?
A. Buddhism and Jainism crew in sixth century B.C.
B. Buddhism and Jainism were against Brahmanism
C. Buddhism and Jainism followed the same concept of Ahimsa
D. Buddha and Mahavir both were Kshatriyas by birth
Answer: C. Buddhism and Jainism followed the same concept of Ahimsa - Which school of painting is famous for Jain paintings?
A. Pahari
B. Apbhramsh
C. Rajput
D. None of these
Answer: A. Pahari - The leader of a Jain Gana was known as
A. Ganapati
B. Ganadhar
C. Ganaraj
D. Ganak
Answer: B. Ganadhar - How many Ganadhars were appointed by Mahavir?
A. 9
B. 10
C. 11
D. 12
Answer: C. 11 - Which term does not apply to Jain literature?
A. Agam
B. Pitak
C. Anga
D. Churika
Answer: B. Pitak - In Jainism, the two sects are-
A. Digambar and Neelamber
B. Digambar and Peetambar
C. Digambar and Svetambar
D. None of the three groups
Answer: C. Digambar and Svetambar - The Jains migrated to Mysore in fourth century B.C. Who led them?
A. Sthoolbhadra
B. Harisena
C. Bhadrabahu
D. Sumati
Answer: C. Bhadrabahu - Mahavir’s Tapascharya is described in-
A. Kalpsutra
B. Acharang Sutra
C. Kalpsutra-Acharang Sutra
D. None of the two
Answer: C. Kalpsutra-Acharang Sutra - Which literature refers to Mahavir as “Nigantha Nath putt”?
A. Vedic
B. Bauddh
C. Jain
D. Bhagvat
Answer: B. Bauddh - With reference to ancient Jainism which one of the following statement is correct?
A. Jainism was spread in South India under the leadership of Sthalabahu
B. Jains who remained under the leadership of Bhadrabahu were called Shwetambaras after the council held at Pataliputra
C. Jainism enjoyed the Patronage of the Kalinga King Kharvela in the 1st Century B.C.
D. In the initial stage of Jainism, the Jinas worshipped images, unlike Buddhists.
Answer: C. Jainism enjoyed the Patronage of the Kalinga King Kharvela in the 1st Century B.C
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Questions with Answers on Jainism
1. What was the name of Mahavir’s father?
Answer: Siddhartha, who was the head of a Kshatriya clan.
2. What was the name of Mahavir’s mother?
Answer: Trishla, who was a Lichhavi princess.
3. To whom Mahavir was married?
4. What was the name of the daughter of Mahavir?
Answer: Priyadarshani.
5. At what age Mahavir attained Kaivalya?
Answer: At the age of forty-two, he finally attained perfect knowledge Kaivalya) and became Mahavir or Jina (the conqueror).
6. Why his followers are to be known as Jains?
Answer: After attaining Kaivalya he was known a Jina, so his followers are known as Jains.
7. What does the term Tirthankara’ mean in Jainism?
Answer: The founders and preachers of Jain religion are known as Tirthankaras.
8. How many Tirthankaras are known in Jainism?
Answer: 24 Tirthankaras.
9. Who was was the first Tirthankara in Jainism?
Answer: Rishabhdeva
10. Who was the second Tirthankara in Jainism?
Answer:Arishtanemi.
11. Priyadarshini, the daughter of Mahavir was married to whom?
12. Who was the twenty-third Tirthankara?
Answer: Parshavanath.
13. Who was the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara?
Answer: Vardhaman Mahavir.
14. What does the term ‘Nirgranthas’ mean?
Answer: At first, Mahavir followed the practices of an ascetic group called the Nirgranthas (free from wants).
15. Who founded the Nirgranthas?
Answer: Parshavanath.
16. What is Ajivakas?
Answer: A sect of Jainism founded by Gosalamaskriputra.
17. Who laid the important principles of Jainism?
Answer: Parshavanath.
18. What are the Triratna (Three Jewels) in Jainism?
Answer: Right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
19. What are the five Mahavarta (important principles) of Jainism?
20. In how many sects the Jainism are divided?
Answer: ‘In two sects-Swetamber and Digamber.
21. What is the difference between Swetamber anil Digamber?
Answer: The Swetamber wore white clothes and began to be known as the Swetamber while Digamber remained naked without any clothes on their body.
22. In which language Mahavir gave his first sermon?
Answer: Pali.
23. To whom does the credit go for preaching Jainism to Karnataka?
Answer: Chandragupta Maurya.
24. To whom does the credit go for preaching Jainism Kalinga?
Answer: The king of Kalinga. Kharvel.
25. Where was the first Jainism council held?
Answer: Patliputra.
26. Where was the second Jainism council held?
Answer: Vallabhi in Gujarat.
27. What are the religious texts of Jainism?
Answer: Their chief religious texts are called Angas which are written in Prakrit language. Other Jainism religious literature was also written in Ardhmagahi language.
28. Why war and agriculture both are prohibited in ‘Jainism?
Answer: Because in both cases there are killings of living beings.
29. Why farmers and soldiers couldn’t be attracted towards Jainism?
Answer: Because Jainism laid great emphasis on Ahimsa.
30. Why Jainism is not very popular in general masses?
Answer: Because Jainism laid great emphasis on the code of conduct so they are very tough for general masses to follow.
31. What idea the Jainism has about the existence of God?
32. Which doctrine did Mahavir introduce?
Answer: Brahmacharya.
33. Which language was patronized by the Jainas to preach their doctrines?
Answer: Prakrit
34. What is the birth year of Mahavira?
Answer: 540 B.C
35. Biographies of the Jain Tirthankaras called
Answer: Kalpa Sutra
36. Who is the author of Kalpa Sutra?
Answer: Bhadrabahu
37. Birthplace of Mahavira?
Answer: Vaishali district, Bihar
38. Who is the first follower of Mahavira?
Answer: Jamali
39. At the time of Mahavira who was the king of Magadha?
Answer: Bimbisar
40. Scriptures of Jainism are known as-
Answer: Agamas
41. The first conference of Jainism starts at 322 B.C., But how much time it takes to end?
Answer: 24 years
42. 2nd conference of Jainism held in-
Answer: Ballavi, Gujrat
43. Mahavira was the ___________ of Jainism.
44. Mahavira became a monk at the age of-
Answer: 30 years
45. Mahavira attained Nirvana at the age of-
Answer: 43 years
46. The naked Jain monks are known as-
Answer: Digambar
47. The Jain monks who wore white cloths are known as-
Answer: Swethambars
48. The first Jain Council was held at-
Answer: Pataliputra
49. The second Jain council was held at-
Answer: Vallabhi
50. The Jain leader who migrated to South India was-
Answer: Badhrabahu.
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