Tag: jainism, buddhism and ajivika philosophy in tamil nadu

Vardhamana Mahavira was born at Kundalavana near Vaishali. After attaining "Kaivalya", he was called "Jina" and his followers were known as Jains. The religious leaders of Jainism are known as Tirthankara. Mahavira was considered as 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Rishabhdev was the first Tirthankara of Jainism.

Kharvela was a descendant of Meghavarmana. The latter was the founder of the royal house of Chedi. Kharvela was a Jain and despite his fervor for Jainism, he was addicted to military conquests. Kalinga rose to power under his rule. Information regarding his life, rule, religion, and conquests can be gained from Hathigumpha Inscription.

Chandragupta Mauryan was the very first emperor in India who converted into Jainism during the last years of his life. He did this because he believed that his power and thrones would not give him peace. He became a disciple of Jain monk Acharya Bhadrabahu, In his last days of his life, he did Santhara and fasted unto death at Shravan Belagolain, Karnataka. During his rule, Jainism was divided into two branches- Shwetambara and Digamabara.

Anuvratas are the "little vows" in Jain religion which are to be followed by the followers of this religion. Along with this, there are "Mahavrats " which are to be followed by the saints of this religion. There are five anuvratas which are :

From the beginning of his rule, Kharvela became a patron of Jainism and did whatever he could do to promote Jainism. As he was a follower of Jainism by birth, he maintained the glory of Jainism during his conquest also. His Hathigumpha description described his devotion towards Jainism. This inscription also contained several sacred symbols of Jainism.

Chandragupta Mauryan adopted Jainism and he performed Jain ritual Santhara in the last days of his life. During his reign, Jainism was divided into two sects- Shvetambara and Digambara. Bindusara was the follower of Ajivaka Sect. 

Vardhamana Mahavira was born at Kundagrama near Vaishali in Bihar. His father, Siddharth was the head of "Jantrika clan" of Kshatriyas. His mother, Trishala belonged to Lichchhavi tribe. After getting true knowledge, he came to be known as the master of "Kevalajana". He was 24th Tirthankara of Jain religion. He died at Pawapuri in Bihar. 

Acharya Bhadrabahu was the last acharya of United Jainism. During the reign of Chandragupta Maurya, Bhadrabahu predicted 12 years of famine in Magada. As it was impossible to follow the rules of Jainism strictly during the famine, he with his disciples moved to Karnataka. Then Sthulabhadra who was also the disciple of Bhadrabahu decided to stay in Magadha and follow Jainism by making its rule simple and easier. This next sect was known as Shvetamabara. Thus Jainism was divided into two sects: Sevtambara and Digambara.  

Angas are also known as "Agamas". The canonical text of Jainism is known as Agamas. Agamas contain those lectures which were given by Tirthankara after getting Kevalayajana. Out of these twelve Angas 12th Anga have been destroyed completely. Earlier versions of Jain Agamas were written in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit language but later on, different languages were used for writing agamas.