navapada

Jainism

Also known as: saint-wheel

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July 1, 2026

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In Jainism, navapada refers to the "nine dignities" or "nine virtues" within the Digambara sect. These nine elements are central to their spiritual understanding and practice.1

The navapada consists of:
* The five chief divinities (pañca-parameṣṭhin): the siddha (perfected soul), ascetics, Jina (saviour), scriptures, and the sacred wheel of the law (dharma-cakra).1
* The Jina image and temple.1

The ultimate goal in Jainism is the purification and liberation of the soul from the cycle of rebirths, which is achieved by shedding accumulated karma through right faith, knowledge, and conduct.234

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siddha
… sect the saint-wheel is called navapada (“nine dignities,” or “nine virtues”) and consists of the pañca-parameṣṭhin plus the Jina (saviour) image, temple, scriptures, and dharma-cakra (sacred wheel of the law).
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… sect the saint-wheel is called navapada (“nine dignities,” or “nine virtues”) and consists of the pañca-parameṣṭhin plus the Jina (saviour) image, temple, scriptures, and dharma-cakra (sacred wheel of the law).
Read More