Jainism - The power to create

DEPICTION OF THE DEITY

Jina images were made nude. Also early, Jina idols didn’t
have any identification marks, but later idols are adorned
by identification marks like a lion ( Mahavir) and bull
(Rishabhdeva), etc. Footprints also have a special place in
Jain art.
These footprints have a great significance as they inspire the
followers of Jainism to follow the path led by the Jinas. The
Jain art and literature thrived most vigorously between the
10th and the 15th century AD The period saw the building of
a very large number of Jain temples with exquisite sculptural
carvings. During the period the new forms and iconographic
features (excepting that of the Jinas) of various deities were
formulated and gradually the number of arms and thereby the
attributes increased to make the most of the manifestations
more as the specimens of codified texts. The parikara (
surrounding) of Jina images also developed with the figural
depictions of Navagrahas, Sarasvati, Lakşmi, and diminutive
Jina figures.
Besides, the usual astapratiharyas and the yaksha-yakshi
figures were also carved. The angularity and flexion along
with embellishments and ornamentation were other distinct
features of medieval Jain sculptures.

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Lord Parasnath. The 23rd Tirthankara of present half cycle of time.

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The charan of Tirthankara. Charans are footprints exclusive to Jain temples.
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ICONOGRAPHY AND SCULPTURES

The Jains could feel proud of their rich cultural heritage
since the earliest times. It has a religious orientation in its
art in varied forms. Being predominantly idolaters, they have
good iconography and icon-making art. They could make the
victor’s icons of different sizes, materials, (wood, stone, metal,
marble, etc.), and postures (seated or standing). They could
carve icons out of stones also.

All icons have been made according to dimensions with
attractive meditating faces of victors expressing the idea of
successful withdrawal from worldly life.

There are many idols of international accreditation one of
Bahubali at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka (983 AD) and Lord
Adinath at Barwani in Madhya Pradesh state(world’s largest
megalithic statue (carved out of mountain)) need special
mention for their magnificence and heights.

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“JEEYO AUR JEENE DO” and very powerful. Lord Mahavira won
his senses, due to which he is also
Lord Mahavira, the great man who called Jeetendra. The color of his body
brought the human society from was golden and his sign was Leo. His
darkness to light, was born on the date Yaksha was named Brahmashanti and
of Trayodashi in the Shukla Paksha of Yakshini was Siddhayika Devi.
Chaitra month 599 BC to Maharaja Lord Mahavira was a true figure of non-
Shri Siddhartha of Lichchhavi dynasty violence and non-violence. He was in
and mother Trishala Devi in ​B​ ihar. common with everyone and did not want
Due to this, Jain devotees traditionally to hurt anyone. Nirvana was attained
celebrate this holy day as Mahavir by Lord Mahavira at Pavapuri on the
Jayanti with joy and devotion in the day of Kartik Amavasya Deepavali after
traditional way. re-establishing Jainism with his
Lord Sri Mahavir Swami, the twenty- reverence. Lord Mahavira re-established
fourth Tirthankara of Jainism, was born Jainism and gave the world a branch that
in Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra on Chaitra was completely based on non-violence
Shukla Trayodashi in the Ikshvaku and humanity. Along with spirituality,
dynasty of Kundalpur Vaishali. His Mahavir Swami also dreamed of moving
mother’s name was Trishala Devi and this religion forward.
his father’s name was King Siddhartha. After the death of Mahavir Swami,
Life introduction of Lord Shri Mahavir Jainism was divided into two sects,
Swami (Details of Mahavir Swami). but even after the partition, the
His name was Vard haman in his teachings of Swami prevalent in
childhood, but he was called Mahavira Jainism have suffered no harm.
since childhood because of his being
courageous, brilliant, knowledgeable,

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05 JAIN SYMBOLSNot all holy symbols are visual or material. Mantras
are holy syllables, words, or phrases that are repeated
many times, either aloud or silently. Used to focus
concentration in meditation, these religious formulas
are considered holy and possessed of great spiritual
power. This is why mantras are found so often written,
painted, carved, embroidered, and so on.

Live and Let Live. (Ahimsa Paramo Dharma)

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SWASTIKA SIDDHA - LOKA
Abode of the liberated soul.
SAMYAK DARSHAN SAMYAK GYAN
Right Faith. Right Knowledge.
SAMYAK CHARITRA
Heavenly beings Right Conduct.
Hellish beings Humans beings

Flora or Fauna

It represents the perpetual nature of the universe in the material world, where a
creature is destined to one of those states based on their karma. In contrast to
this circle of rebirth and delusion is the concept of a straight path, constituted by
correct faith. understanding and conduct, and visually symbolized by the three dots
above the running cross swastika, which leads the individual out of the transient
imperfect world to a permanent perfect state of enlightenment and perfection.
This perfect state of liberation is symbolized by the crescent and dot at the top
of the swastika. It also represents the four columns of the Jain Sangha: Monks,
nuns, and female and male laymen and the four characteristics of the soul: Infinite
knowledge, infinite perception, infinite happiness, and infinite energy.

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JAIN AHIMSA SYMBOL

The hand with a wheel on the palm symbolizes
Ahimsa in Jainism. The word in the middle is “ahimsa”
(non-injury). The wheel represents the dharma chakra,
which stands for the resolve to halt the samsāra
through the relentless pursuit of Ahimsa.

NAMO JINANAM

Siddha
Arihant
Acharya

Upadhyaya

Sadhu

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PARASPAROPAGRAHO JIVANAM - JAIN EMBLEM

Parasparopagraho Jivanam is a Jain aphorism from the ‘Tattvartha Sutra’. It
is translated as “Souls render service to one another”. It is also translated as
“All life is bound together by mutual support and interdependence”. These
translations are virtually the same because Jains believe that every living
being from a plant or bacteria to a human, has a soul and the concept
forms the very basis of Jainism.

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MID LEVEL - NORTH SIDDHA -
Home of Human Beings SOUTH Home of Liberated Beings.
and Animals. DEVLOKA -
Home of Demigods and
EAST Heavenly Beings.
LOKAKASH -
ALOKA - Space inside the Universe.
Space outside the Universe.
NARAKA - WEST
Home of Hellish Beings.
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JAIN FLAG

The five colors of the Jain flag represent the Panch-Parmeshthi
and the five vows. The colors used in the flag are significant.
The colored bands are the emblematic hues of the 24 Jinas
and can also represent the Five Holy Entities, who are very
honored in Jainism.

The origin of the flag is difficult to pin down but it has
become fairly widespread since the late 20th century. It is
frequently seen flying from the top of temples and is commonly
paraded in the processions that are elements of Jain festivals.
It could have an ancestor in the banner, which is one of
the auspicious dreams and, as such, is holy. The banner and
other dreams are listed in the Shwetambara scripture called
the Kalpa sutra, which is generally considered to date back
to at least the 5th century CE.

Red - represents the Siddha, souls that have attained salvation
and truth. It also denotes truthfulness (Satya).

Yellow - represents the Acharya the Masters of Adepts. This
color also stands for non-stealing.

White: represents the Arihants, souls who have conquered
all passions (anger, attachments, aversion) and have attained
omniscience and eternal bliss through self-realization. It also
denotes peace or non-violence.
Green - represents the Upadhyaya (adepts), those who teach
scriptures to monks. It also signifies Brahmacharya (chastity).
Blue - Sadhus and Sadhvis - Spiritual practitioners
(non-possessions).

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ASHTAMANGALA -

Symbols of affluence and fertility, such as the full jug or
pitcher, represent the notion of growth and development.
These ideas are important in Jainism because Jains must travel
their paths of spiritual progress alone, each one responsible
only for his or her own soul.
By moving through the cycle of rebirth over hundreds
and thousands of lifetimes, a soul grows gradually purer,
uncluttered by karma, and can eventually attain final
emancipation. The canopy or fly-whisk, are shorthand for
royalty or high status in Indian art in general.
These underline that the Jina or other holy figure is a spiritual
prince, as worthy of honour as a worldly prince.
These are eight symbols: Swastika, Shrivatsa (an auspicious
sign on the chest), Nandavarta (complex swastika),
Vardhamanaka (food vessel), Bhadrasana (a holy seat), Kalasha
(Holy pitcher), Minyugala (Fish-couple) and Darpan (Mirror).
That have been auspicious since time immemorial and have
been depicted in the Kalpasutra. According to the scriptures
every Jain has to draw them with pure un-broken rice-grains
before the icon of the Tirthankar. Some have reduced this
custom to the drawing of a swastika, along with three heaps
of rice-grain symbolising knowledge, vision and character.

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KALASHA SWASTIKA

VARDHMANAKA

NANDAVARTA BHADRASANA

SHRIVATSA

DARPAN

MINYUGALA

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SIDDHACHAKRA/ NAVPADA

The Siddhacakra or Navapada is the most popular yantra
in Jainism. The Sanskrit word Siddhacakra means ‘circle
of perfection’ and is the Shwetambara Jain’s term. The
sect of the Digambaras calls the same symbol Navapada.

As its name suggests, the Siddhacakra has nine parts and
looks like a flower with eight petals. The nine components
represent the Five Entities and the Three Jewels.

1. Right Faith
2. Right Knowledge
3. Right Conduct

The last element symbolises a characteristic that is
often dubbed the fourth jewel ‘right austerity’. Devout
Jains must follow the examples of the Five Holy
Entities and strive to practise the last four qualities.
Thus all nine elements are vital to attaining liberation.

It is closely associated with the Universal Honor Prayer
Navmokar mantra, which pays homage to the Five
Entities. A Prakrit formula, it can be recited at any time.

The siddhacakra is found in many temples and is an important
part of many rituals. It plays a central role in rites performed
during the festival of Ayambil Oli and the associated fast.

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SUMMARY

Jainism is one of the most ancient religions from
India that teaches that the way to liberation and
bliss is to live lives of harmlessness and renunciation.
The essence of the Jains is a concern for the welfare
of every being (living being and non-living being) in
the universe and for the health of the universe itself.
1. Jains believe that human beings, animals and
plants, contain living souls. Every soul is considered
of equal value and should be treated with respect
and compassion.
2. Jains are strict vegetarians and live in a way that
minimizes their daily use of the world’s resources.
3. They believe in reincarnation and seek to attain
ultimate liberation - which means escaping the
continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth so that
the immortal soul lives forever in a state of bliss.
4. Liberation is only achieved by eliminating all
karma from the soul.
5. Jainism is a religion of self-support. According to
Jains, there are no gods or spiritual beings that will
help human beings.
6. The three guiding principles or the ‘three jewels’
of Jainism are Right Belief, Right Knowledge,
and Right Conduct.

7. The supreme principle of Jain living is non-violence
(ahimsa). This is one of the 5 great vows. The other
vows are non-attachment to possessions, not lying,
not stealing, and sexual restraint (with celibacy as
the ideal).
8. Lord Mahavira is only regarded as the man who
gave Jainism its present-day form.
9. The texts which contain the teachings of Mahavira
are called the Agamas.
10. Jains are divided into two major sects; the
Digambar (meaning “sky-clad”) and the Shwetambar
(meaning “white-clad”) sect.
11. Jainism is a religion that has no priests. Jain
monks and nuns are the ones who lead strict and
ascetic lives.
Jains are majorly found in India, and according
to the 2001 Census of India, there are around 4.2
million living there. However, the Oxford Handbook
of Global Religions, published in 2006, suggests that
census figures may provide lower than the true
number of followers as many Jains identify themselves
as Hindu. The Handbook also states that there are
around 25,000 Jains in Britain.

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