3.5 Jainism · Part 3

He is considered the first Tirthankara. Yajur Veda mentions three of the Tirthankaras, viz., Risabha, Ajitanatha and Aristanemi. Mahavira organised his members into monastic and lay followers. Life of Mahavira Vardhamana was born around BCE in Kundagrama, a suburb of Vaishali. He was a member of the ruling family of a gana- sangha and his father Siddhartha was the chief of the Jnatrika clan. His mother Trishala was a Lichchavi princess and sister of its chief Chetaka. Mahavira was closely connected to rulers of Magadha, Anga and Videha through his mother. From his childhood, he was attracted to spiritual life. After the death of his parents, he left his home at the age of and wandered about as a mendicant for years in search of true knowledge. He practiced severe austerities and discarded his garments. During the course of his wanderings, he met Gosala and spent six years with him before they parted due to differences. In the 13th year of his wandering, at the age of , Vardhamana attained enlightenment or Nirvana. He then became a Tirthankara and came to be called a Jina or Mahavira (the Great Conqueror). He preached for years and was patronised by the rich and the elite. He died about BCE at the age of in Pavapuri near Rajgriha. He fasted Jaina Painting portraying Mahavira’s birth XI History - Lesson - - Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects Jains could not practice agriculture or other crafts that involve killing or injury to living organisms. Hence they took to trading and money-lending and excelled in it. As a result, they were closely associated with urbanisation. Jainism is an egalitarian religion. It does not sanction any inequality based on birth. It is one’s deeds that determine one’s status in society and not birth. Jainism believes that “by one’s action one becomes a Brahmin, a Kshatriya, or a Vaishya, or a Sudra.” Pride based on birth is considered a sin. Women were admitted into the monastic order. However, as a woman one cannot attain salvation. By