pañca-parameṣṭhin

Jainism

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

In Jainism, the pañca-parameṣṭhin refers to the five supreme beings who are central to the faith. These beings are the siddha (the perfected soul), the arahant (the liberated soul), the ācārya (the spiritual teacher), the upādhyāya (the learned monk), and the sadhu (the ascetic).1

The ultimate goal in Jainism is liberation (moksha) of the soul from the cycle of rebirths. This is achieved through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, which help to shed accumulated karma. The siddha represents the highest state of perfection, residing in eternal bliss at the top of the universe. Jain ethics emphasize nonviolence (ahimsa) as the highest form of religious practice, influencing all aspects of life, including diet and conduct.231

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

siddha
…the other ascetics constitute the pañca-parameṣṭhin, the five chief divinities of the Jainas. Their figures are represented on a silver or brass tray called a siddha-cakra (saint-wheel), to which great sanctity and magical power are attributed. In the twice-yearly ceremony known as oḷī, the images are washed and anointed, and…
Read More
…the other ascetics constitute the pañca-parameṣṭhin, the five chief divinities of the Jainas. Their figures are represented on a silver or brass tray called a siddha-cakra (saint-wheel), to which great sanctity and magical power are attributed. In the twice-yearly ceremony known as oḷī, the images are washed and anointed, and…
Read More