Jainism as a religious tradition was established in India about the same time as Buddhism. Mahavira, one of the jinas (conquerors) preached the Jain philosophy around the same time that Buddhism began.

Like Buddhism, Jainism rose against the corruption in the interpretation of Hinduism prevalent at the time. The underlying philosophy of Jainism is that renunciation of worldly desires and self-conquest leads to perfect wisdom. This faith believes in total abstinence and asceticism as practised by the Jinas and the Tirthankars ("crossing-makers"). The "crossing refers to the passage from the material to the spiritual realm, from bondage to freedom. Followers of this faith accept the popular gods of Hinduism but they are placed lower than the jinas.

The focus of this religion has been purification of the soul by means of right conduct, right faith and right knowledge. This faith also enunciates complete non-violence and the Jain monks can be seen with their nose and mouth covered by a cloth mask to ensure that they do not kill any germs or insects while breathing. Today, Jainism has more than 3 million adherents in India and finds wide acceptance because of its philosophy of sympathy for all living beings.

Kaushambi (Allahabad)
Kaushambi lies on the northern bank of the Uamuna some 60 kms. From Allahabad. Ancient Jain scriptures reveal that there had been 16 Mahajanpadas in....More about Kaushambi Allahabad....

Kashi
According to the Jain traditions, Kashi has the honour of being the birth place of four Tirthankars, namely, Suparshav, Chandraprabhu, Shreas and Parshva....More about Kashi...

Mathura
Sri Jambu Swami was born in Champa and was the son of a rich man, Seth Rishabhdutt. Even though he was married at the age of 16, he was initiated by....More about mathura....

Pawanagar/Fazilnagar
Pawanagar is famous for being the place where Lord Mahavir attained ' Nirvana'. It is also known as Sathiardiha and described as ' Sathik Deha '. ....More about Pawanagar/fazilnagar....

Prabhas Giri
Prabhas Giri is situated on the banks of Yamuna near Kaushambi, at a distance of about 62 kms. From Allahabad, in Manjhanpur tehsil. In the ancient times, it was ....More about Prabhas Giri....

Deogarh
Deogarh, the Fort of the Gods, is situated on the right bank of the Betwa river at the western end of the Lalipur range of hills ....More about Deogarh....

Mahoba Kakandi Kampil
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Shravasti
Shravasti is situated in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh around 176 km off Lucknow.It is one of the main site for Buddhist pilgrimage as well and ....More about Shravasti....