Jainism and Varanasi

An ancient Indian tradition

Jainism is one of South Asia’s ancient religious traditions. Jains understand their tradition through a succession of twenty-four Tirthankaras, or “ford-makers,” exemplary teachers who show a path toward liberation. Mahavira, traditionally regarded as the twenty-fourth Tirthankara, lived in the first millennium BCE.

Ahimsa and liberation

Ahimsa, non-violence toward living beings, is among the best-known Jain ethical principles. Jain teachings also emphasize karma, disciplined conduct, truthfulness, non-attachment and the liberation of the soul. Monastic practice can involve demanding forms of renunciation, while lay Jain life expresses these principles in different ways.

Diversity within Jainism

The two major historic traditions are Digambara and Shvetambara, with further communities and interpretations within each. Religious practice, monastic discipline and understandings of scripture differ, so Jainism should not be presented as a single uniform way of life.

Varanasi in Jain sacred tradition

Jain traditions associate Varanasi with several Tirthankaras, including Parshvanatha, the twenty-third. The city and its riverfront therefore hold Jain religious associations as well as the Hindu associations that are more immediately visible to many visitors.

Documenting carefully

Architecture or a place-name may establish a Jain association, but the archive should not infer that people appearing nearby are Jain. As with other religious identities, identification belongs in a caption only when it is documented rather than assumed from setting or appearance.