Jainism

Introduction
Overview
History
- Early history (7th century bce–c. 5th century ce)
- Early medieval developments (500–1100)
- Late medieval–early modern developments (1100–1800)
- Jain history since the 19th century
Important figures of Jain legend
Doctrines of Jainism
- Time and the universe
- Jiva and ajiva
- Karma
- Theories of knowledge as applied to liberation
- Jain ethics
Ritual practices and religious institutions
- Monks, nuns, and their practices
- Religious activity of the laity
- Image veneration
  - Festivals
  - Pilgrimage
Jain literature
- Canonical and commentarial literature
- Philosophical and other literature
Jainism and other religions
- Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism
- Jainism and Islam

References & Edit History Related Topics

Images & Videos

Belagavi, India: Kamal Basadi Jaina temple

Why Is Diwali Called the Festival of Lights?

Aerial view of the 57-foot tall Lord Gommatshwara (Bahubali) monolithic statue at Shravanabelagola, India, with visitors gathered at its base and temple structures surrounding it.

At a Glance

Jainism summary

Quizzes

Omar Ali Saifuddin mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.

World Religions & Traditions

Related Questions

How are Tirthankaras represented in Jain sculpture and paintings?
How did Jainism emerge in the Ganges basin of eastern India?
How did Mahavira's five great vows expand on Parshvanatha's fourfold restraint?
How did Mahavira's followers establish the early Jain community?
How did Parshvanatha's teachings differ from Mahavira's teachings about clothing?
How did the Digambara and Shvetambara sects develop?
How do Jain monks practice the six obligatory actions?
How do Tirthankaras help Jain believers seek liberation?
How do fasting and meditation help remove karma in Jain teachings?
How does Jainism explain karma as a substance that binds the soul?
How does ahimsa shape Jain beliefs and practices?
How does anekantavada explain the idea that reality has many perspectives?
How does the Three Jewels teaching guide Jain spiritual life?
How is Mahavira Jayanti celebrated by Jain communities?
How long did Mahavira practice intense asceticism before attaining kevala?
How were Jain scriptures preserved before they were written down?
What are the five great vows followed by Jain ascetics?
What are the seven truth values in Jain logic?
What happened at the Council of Valabhi?
What happens during the Jain festival of Paryushana?
What historical evidence exists for Parshvanatha?
What takes place during the Mastakabhisheka ceremony at Shravanabelagola?
Which Jain texts are included in the Shvetambara canon?
Who was Parshvanatha and why is he important in Jain history?
Why are Tirthankara images honored rather than treated as gods who grant blessings?
Why did Jain teachers oppose animal sacrifice in Vedic rituals?
Why did Mahavira teach nonviolence toward all living creatures?
Why do Digambara Jains believe that women must be reborn as men before reaching moksha?
Why do Digambara monks practice nudity?
Why do Digambara monks sweep the ground with peacock-feather dusters?
Why do Jain ascetics avoid eating after dark?
Why do Jain laypeople avoid foods such as meat, wine, honey, and certain root vegetables?
Why do Jain monks and nuns avoid bathing?
Why do Jains ask for forgiveness on Samvatsari?
Why do Jains believe that some early teachings of the Tirthankaras have been lost?
Why do Jains regard Mahavira as the 24th Tirthankara?
Why do Shvetambara monks and nuns wear white robes?
Why do some Shvetambara monks cover their mouths with a mukhavastrika?
Why is Parshvanatha shown with snake hoods over his head in Jain art?
Why is vegetarianism important in Jainism?
What are some criticisms of the term Abrahamic religions?
How was Zoroastrianism founded?
What are the major beliefs of Zoroastrianism?
Where does Confucianism come from?
How did Confucianism spread?
What are the basic teachings of Daoism?
Who were the great teachers of Daoism?
How does Daoism differ from Confucianism?
What is Akshaya Tritiya?
What are some legends associated with Akshaya Tritiya in Hinduism?

Philosophy & Religion Philosophical Issues

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External Websites

National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Jainism - Its relevance to psychiatric practice; with special reference to the practice of Sallekhana
World Religions and Spirituality Project - Jainism
International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts - Jainism: An Independent Religion
ABC listen - Sunday Nights - The Goodlife and Jainism
IndiaNetzone - Jainism
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Jaina Philosophy
ABC listen - Sunday Nights - The Goodlife and Jainism
Minnesota Libraries Publishing Project - Jainism
Smarthistory - The Jain faith, an introduction
World History Encyclopedia - Jainism
Queensborough Community College - Jainism
Humanities LibreTexts - Jainism
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Jain Philosophy
Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology - Jainism Introduction
International Journal of Science and Research - Jainism - An Indian Religion (PDF)
Harvard University - The Pluralism Project - Jainism

Britannica Websites

Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.

Jainism - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
Jainism - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

Tirthankara Statue of the Jain Tirthankara (saviour) Mahavira.

Jainism

religion

Written by

Paul Dundas

Paul Dundas Senior Lecturer in Sanskrit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.

Paul DundasAll

Fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....

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Last updated

Sep. 15, 2026 •History

Jainism, Indian religion teaching a path to spiritual purity and enlightenment through disciplined nonviolence (ahimsa, literally “non-injury”) to all living creatures. Along with Hinduism and Buddhism, Jainism is one of the three most ancient Indian religious traditions still in existence and an integral part of South Asian religious belief and practice. While often employing concepts shared with Hinduism and Buddhism, the result of a common cultural and linguistic background, the Jain tradition must be regarded...

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