Quick Fact Sheet : 50 Important GK Questions on Jainism

1. Who is a Tirthankar or Jina in Jainism?

Answer: In Jainism, a Tirthankar or Jina is an enlightened soul who has attained omniscience and freedom from the cycle of birth and death. They become spiritual teachers, guiding others towards the path of liberation through non-violence and asceticism.

2. Who was the first Jain Tirthankara?

Answer: Rishabhdev, also known as Adinath, was the first Jain Tirthankara. He is believed to have lived millions of years ago and established the Ikshvaku dynasty. His teachings formed the foundation of Jainism, emphasizing non-violence, truthfulness, and non-attachment.

3. What are the other names by which Jainism is referred to in ancient texts?

Answer: Jainism is referred to as Jain Dharma, Shraman Dharma, Nirgranth Dharma, and the religion of “Vratyas” in ancient texts. These names highlight the ascetic and non-violent nature of the religion, as well as its emphasis on self-control and renunciation.

4. Who was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism?

Answer: Mahavira, born as Vardhamana in 599 BCE, was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. He propagated Jainism across India, emphasizing the importance of ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha (non-attachment).

5. What are the five categories of devotees in Jainism?

Answer: The five categories of devotees in Jainism are Tirthankara (the ford-makers), Arihanta (the worthy ones), Acharya (the spiritual leaders), Upadhyaya (the teachers), and Sadhu (the monks). They represent different levels of spiritual advancement and dedication to Jain principles.

6. What are the two main sects of the Jain Sangha?

Answer: The two main sects of the Jain Sangha are Digambara (sky-clad) and Svetambara (white-clad). Digambara monks renounce all worldly possessions, including clothing, while Svetambara monks wear simple white garments. Both sects follow the core principles of Jainism.

7. When and under whose chairmanship was the first Jain Council held?

Answer: The first Jain Council was held in Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) around 300 BCE under the chairmanship of Sthulabhadra. The council aimed to compile and preserve the teachings of Mahavira, which were previously transmitted orally.

8. Where and under whose leadership was the second Jain Council held?

Answer: The second Jain Council was held in Vallabhi (present-day Gujarat) in 512 CE under the leadership of Devardhi Ksamashramana. The council focused on the compilation and standardization of Jain scriptures, particularly the Agamas.

9. Which of Ashoka’s sons accepted Jainism?

Answer: According to Jain tradition, Ashoka’s grandson, Samprati, accepted Jainism. He is said to have played a crucial role in spreading Jainism across India, building numerous Jain temples and supporting the Jain community during his reign.

10.  Does Jainism believe in the existence of God?

Answer: Jainism does not believe in a supreme creator God. Instead, it holds that the universe is eternal and governed by natural laws. Jains believe in the existence of the soul and that every soul has the potential to achieve divine consciousness through self-effort and liberation from karma.

11.  What is the supreme principal in Jainism?

Answer: The supreme principal in Jainism is ahimsa or non-violence towards all living beings. It extends beyond physical violence to include mental and verbal non-violence. Jains believe that all life forms possess a soul and have the right to live peacefully.

12.  What is the ultimate goal in Jainism?

Answer: The ultimate goal in Jainism is the attainment of moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. This is achieved through the elimination of all karmic attachments and the realization of the soul’s true nature of infinite knowledge, perception, consciousness, and bliss.

13.  Are there priests in Jainism?

Answer: Jainism does not have a priestly class. Instead, it has monks and nuns who renounce worldly life and dedicate themselves to spiritual pursuits. They follow strict vows of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-attachment to guide the lay community.

14.  What is the principal doctrine of Jainism?

Answer: The principal doctrine of Jainism is anekantavada, which means non-absolutism or many-sidedness. It states that reality is complex and can be viewed from multiple perspectives. This doctrine promotes tolerance, respect for different viewpoints, and the avoidance of dogmatism.

15.  Name the five vows of Jainism.

Answer: The five vows of Jainism, known as the Mahavratas, are: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy or chastity), and Aparigraha (non-attachment or non-possession). These vows are followed by Jain monks and nuns, while lay Jains follow a less strict version called Anuvratas.

16.  Who was the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism?

Answer: Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism, lived during the 8th century BCE. He is one of the most revered figures in Jainism, known for his asceticism and spiritual teachings. His symbol is a snake, and he is often depicted in a meditation posture, protected by a multi-headed serpent.

17.  At what age did Parshvanath become an ascetic?

Answer: According to Jain tradition, Parshvanath renounced worldly life and became an ascetic at the age of 30. He underwent intense spiritual practices and penance for 84 days before attaining omniscience (kevala jnana) under a dhaataki tree.

18.  Where did Parshvanath get enlightenment?

Answer: Parshvanath is believed to have attained enlightenment on Mount Sammeda (also known as Sammetshikhar), located in present-day Jharkhand, India. This mountain is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Jains.

19.  What is the symbol of Parshvanath?

Answer: The symbol of Parshvanath is a snake or serpent. In Jain iconography, he is often depicted seated in meditation, with a canopy of a multi-headed serpent protecting him. The snake symbolizes Parshvanath’s triumph over the dangers and temptations of the material world.

20.  Which religion was discovered by Parshvanath?

Answer: Parshvanath did not discover a new religion; rather, he propagated and revived the ancient Jain dharma. He is considered the 23rd Tirthankara in the lineage of 24 Tirthankaras who have appeared in the current time cycle to teach the Jain path to liberation.

21.  What are the three Tri-Ratnas of Jainism?

Answer: The three Tri-Ratnas or three jewels of Jainism are Samyak Darshana (right faith or belief), Samyak Jnana (right knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (right conduct). These three principles form the foundation of the Jain path to liberation and are interconnected.

22.  How many Angas are there in Jainism?

Answer: There are 12 Angas or main texts in the Jain canonical literature. These texts contain the teachings of the Tirthankaras, compiled by their disciples. The 12 Angas are considered the most authoritative scriptures in Jainism and form the basis of Jain philosophy and practice.

23.  How many crimes are listed in Jainism?

Answer: Jainism lists 18 types of sins or crimes (paapa) that hinder spiritual progress. These include violence, untruth, stealing, unchastity, possessiveness, anger, pride, deceit, greed, attachment, hatred, false belief, lack of self-control, hypocrisy, indifference to religion, and lack of faith in Jainism.

24.  Who wrote Nirukti, the doctrine of Jainism?

Answer: Bhadrabahu, a Jain monk and scholar who lived during the 4th century BCE, is credited with writing the Niryuktis, which are early commentaries on the Jain Agamas. These commentaries help in understanding the complex philosophical concepts and principles of Jainism.

25.  What is the Kalpasutra in Jainism?

Answer: The Kalpasutra is a Jain text composed by Acharya Bhadrabahu, containing biographies of the Tirthankaras, particularly the 24th Tirthankara, Mahavira. It also includes rules of conduct for Jain monks and nuns during the four-month rainy season retreat (Chaturmas).

26.  Who composed the Mahapurana in Jainism?

Answer: The Mahapurana, a major Jain text, was composed by Acharya Jinasena and his disciple Gunabhadra in the 9th century CE. It is a comprehensive work that covers the lives of the 24 Tirthankaras, along with various aspects of Jain philosophy, cosmology, and ethics.

27.  Who composed the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra?

Answer: The Tattvarthadhigama Sutra, also known as the Tattvartha Sutra, was composed by Acharya Umaswati (also known as Umasvami) around the 2nd-5th century CE. It is the most important and widely accepted text in both Digambara and Svetambara Jain traditions, presenting the core principles of Jain philosophy.

28.  What are the three types of fasting in Jainism?

Answer: The three types of fasting in Jainism are: Uttam (best), where one renounces all worldly things, including food and water, and eats only once on the eve and next day of fasting; Madhyam (middle), where food and water are not consumed on the day of fasting; and Jaghanya (lowest), where one eats only once on the day of fasting.

29.  What activities do Jains engage in during fasting?

Answer: During fasting, Jains engage in religious activities such as worshiping, serving the saints, reading scriptures, practicing meditation and penance (tapa), and donating to worthy recipients (supatra). These practices are believed to purify the soul and advance one’s spiritual progress.

30.  How many auspicious symbols are there in Jainism?

Answer: There are eight auspicious symbols (Ashtamangala) in Jainism. These include: Swastika (representing peace and well-being), Shrivatsa (a mark on a Jina’s chest, symbolizing a pure soul), Nandyavarta (a nine-cornered swastika), Vardhamanaka (an earthen pot, symbolizing wealth and knowledge), Bhadrasana (a throne, representing the Jina’s spiritual authority), Kalasha (a pot filled with sacred water), Minayugala (a pair of fish, symbolizing freedom from worldly attachments), and Darpana (a mirror, symbolizing self-reflection and purity of the soul).

31.  What does the Swastika signify in Jainism?

Answer: In Jainism, the Swastika is one of the eight auspicious symbols (Ashtamangala). It represents peace, well-being, and the four states of existence: heavenly beings, humans, animal and infernal beings, and tiryancha (plants and micro-organisms). The Swastika also symbolizes the four qualities of the soul: infinite knowledge, perception, consciousness, and bliss.

32.  What is the mark manifested on the center of a Jina’s chest called?

Answer: The mark manifested on the center of a Jina’s chest is called the Shrivatsa. It is one of the eight auspicious symbols in Jainism and represents a pure soul that has conquered all inner enemies such as anger, greed, and ego. The Shrivatsa is depicted as a flower, a knot, or a diamond-shaped mark.

33.  What does the earthen dish used for lamps suggest in Jainism?

Answer: In Jainism, the earthen dish used for lamps is called the Vardhamanaka, one of the Ashtamangala. It suggests an increase in wealth, fame, and merit due to the Jina’s grace. The Vardhamanaka symbolizes the light of knowledge that dispels the darkness of ignorance and leads to spiritual growth.

34.  What does the fish couple signify among the auspicious symbols?

Answer: The fish couple, known as Minayugala, is one of the eight auspicious symbols in Jainism. It signifies Cupid’s banners coming to worship the Jina after defeating the God of Love. The fish couple represents freedom from worldly attachments and the victory of the soul over desires and passions.

35.  Which Tirthankar’s heaven is Sarvarthasiddha?

Answer: Sarvarthasiddha is the highest heavenly realm in Jain cosmology, where the liberated souls reside. It is associated with several Tirthankaras, including the first Tirthankara Rishabhanatha, the sixteenth Tirthankara Shantinatha, the seventeenth Tirthankara Kunthunatha, and the eighteenth Tirthankara Aranatha.

36.  What is the symbol of Lord Munisuvrata?

Answer: The symbol of Lord Munisuvrata, the twentieth Tirthankara, is a tortoise. In Jain iconography, he is often depicted with a tortoise emblem beneath his feet. The tortoise symbolizes stability, longevity, and the ability to withdraw from worldly distractions, reflecting the qualities of a spiritually advanced being.

37.  Who were the male and female disciples of Lord Mahavira?

Answer: According to Jain tradition, Lord Mahavira had two chief disciples: Indrabhuti Gautama, also known as Gautamaswami, and Chandrabala. Indrabhuti Gautama was the first male disciple of Mahavira and played a significant role in spreading Jainism. Chandrabala was the first female disciple and is considered the epitome of devotion and service to the Jina.

38.  In which heaven do Tirthankaras Ajitnath and Abhinandannath reside?

Answer: Tirthankaras Ajitnath and Abhinandannath reside in Vijayavimana and Jayantavimana heavens, respectively. In Jain cosmology, there are different heavenly realms where celestial beings and liberated souls reside based on their spiritual attainments.

39.  Which animals are associated with Tirthankaras Shreyanasanatha and Vasupujya?

Answer: Tirthankara Shreyansanatha is associated with the rhinoceros, while Tirthankara Vasupujya is associated with the female buffalo. Each Tirthankara has a unique emblem or symbol that reflects their spiritual qualities and is used in Jain art and iconography.

40.  Who were the Ganadharas (chief disciples) of Tirthankaras Naminatha and Parshvanatha?

Answer: According to Jain tradition, Tirthankara Naminatha had two Ganadharas named Subha and Anila, while Tirthankara Parshvanatha had two Ganadharas named Aryadinna and Pushpachuda. Ganadharas are the chief disciples of Tirthankaras who play a crucial role in preserving and propagating their teachings.

41.  What are the symbols associated with Tirthankaras Sumatinath and Padmaprabha?

Answer: The symbol associated with Tirthankara Sumatinath is the curlew bird or red goose, while the symbol of Tirthankara Padmaprabha is the lotus flower. These symbols are believed to represent the divine qualities and spiritual achievements of the respective Tirthankaras.

42.  Who were the chief female disciples of Tirthankaras Chandraprabha and Suparshvanath?

Answer: The chief female disciple of Tirthankara Chandraprabha was Sumana, while the chief female disciple of Tirthankara Suparshvanath was Soma. In Jainism, female disciples play a significant role in the spiritual community and are regarded as exemplary figures of devotion and spiritual attainment.

43.  Which celestial beings are associated with Tirthankaras Pushpadanta and Sheetalnath?

Answer: Tirthankara Pushpadanta is associated with the celestial being Anatadevaloka, while Tirthankara Sheetalnath is associated with Achyutadevaloka. In Jain cosmology, celestial beings reside in different heavenly realms and are believed to have achieved a high level of spiritual progress.

44.  What are the emblems of Tirthankaras Vimalnath and Anantnath?

Answer: The emblem of Tirthankara Vimalnath is a boar or pig, symbolizing the conquest of ignorance and attachment to worldly pleasures. The emblem of Tirthankara Anantnath is a porcupine, representing the protective nature of spiritual knowledge and the need to overcome obstacles on the path to liberation.

45.  Who were the Ganadharas of Tirthankaras Dharmanath and Mallinath?

Answer: The Ganadharas of Tirthankara Dharmanath were Arishta and Arthasiva, while the Ganadharas of Tirthankara Mallinath were Abhikshaka and Bandhumati. Ganadharas are the chief male and female disciples of Tirthankaras who play a crucial role in preserving and disseminating their teachings.

46.  Which animals are associated with Tirthankaras Kunthunath and Aranath?

Answer: The animal associated with Tirthankara Kunthunath is the goat, symbolizing the need to overcome stubborn attachments and cultivate humility. The animal associated with Tirthankara Aranath is the fish or Pisces, representing the ability to navigate through the challenges of worldly existence with grace and detachment.

47.  What are the symbols of Tirthankaras Mallinath and Neminatha?

Answer: The symbol of Tirthankara Mallinath is a jar or kalasha, representing the abundance of spiritual knowledge and the need to fill one’s life with wisdom and compassion. The symbol of Tirthankara Neminatha is a conch shell, symbolizing the proclamation of truth and the call to awaken one’s spiritual potential.

48.  Who were the chief disciples of Tirthankara Mahavira?

Answer: The chief male disciple of Tirthankara Mahavira was Indrabhuti Gautama, also known as Gautamaswami, who played a pivotal role in the propagation of Jainism. The chief female disciple of Mahavira was Chandrabala, who is revered as an embodiment of devotion and spiritual attainment.

49.  What are the emblems associated with Tirthankaras Sambhavanath and Shantinath?

Answer: The emblem associated with Tirthankara Sambhavanath is the horse, symbolizing strength, speed, and the ability to overcome obstacles on the path to liberation. The emblem of Tirthankara Shantinath is a deer or antelope, representing gentleness, peace, and the ability to maintain equanimity in the face of adversity.

50.  Who were the Ganadharas of Tirthankaras Kunthunath and Suparshvanath?

Answer: The Ganadharas of Tirthankara Kunthunath were Samba and Damini, while the Ganadharas of Tirthankara Suparshvanath were Vidirbha and Soma. These chief disciples played a vital role in preserving and propagating the teachings of their respective Tirthankaras, ensuring the continuity of Jain wisdom through the ages.