Jainism
By: Samantha Macmillan, Sarah Zaslov,
Danielle Porplycia, Vanessa Weir, Samantha
Cohen, and Stef Calovic
Traditions, Rituals, and
Ceremonies
Sarah Zaslov
Pre Wedding Ceremonies…
Vagdana/Pradana:
Vagdana refers to the informal agreement between the parents of the prospective
bride and groom regarding their marriage that is followed by the ritual of Pradana
where the bride is gifted ornaments.
Laghana Lekhan:
The Laghana Lekhan ritual involves a puja held at the girl's house during which the auspicious time of
the marriage is determined.
Sagai and Lagna Patrika Vachan:
It refers to the engagement ceremony where the groom performs the Vinayakyantra
puja.
And he is gifted with a gold chain, a ring, clothes, coconut, sweets and money.
Matruka Sthapan/Kulkar Sthapan:
Matruka Stapan/ Kulkar Sthapan are prayer sessions held in the bride/ groom's homes
respectively to seek the blessings of the heavenly bodies to ensure the happiness and the fertility
of the couple.
Mandapa-Vedi Pratishtha:
It refers to the construction of the mandap at the bride's home from where it is usuallu
transported to the marriage venue.
Wedding Day Rituals…
Ghudhchadi :
Before the barat procession begins, all the ladies of the house, including the groom's mother apply tilak to his forehead after
giving him a headgear.
Torana Vidhi :
Torana Vidhi are the rites of welcome performed for the reception of the groom at the marriage venue. After
being garlanded by the bride, he enter the mandap stepping over two earthenware bowls.
Kanyavaran :
The father of the bride publicly presents his daughter to the groom while the priest pours water on the hands
of the bride and groom while chanting a mantra three times during the Kanyavaran ceremony.
Hasta Melap :
Jhasta Melap involves the placing of a single cloth garland around the couple's necks after which the bride's parents
wash the groom's feet, wipe them, dress them with flowers and places auspicious items such as sandalwood in his
hands. The priest then places the bride's hand into the groom while reciting the auspicious prayer of Aum Arham.
Toran Pratishtha :
The Toran Pratishtha ceremony is held in the honour of Goddess Lakshmi, where the bride's
parents throw a mixture of sandalwood, rice, and flowers on the arch of the mandap, the Toran.
Gotrachar :
Gotrachar ritual involves the priest stating the ancestral lineage on the groom and the bride. The
couple is then given rice, flowers, incense and mithai (sweets) to offer to the Fire God in a Puja.
Agni Pradakshina :
The bride's brother gives the couple handfuls of rice that they alternately give to the priest as they pass.
The priest offers the rice into the fire. Specific mantras are spoken for each round.
More Wedding Day Rituals…
Granthi Bandhan :
Granthi Bandhan takes place when the bride's sari is tied
to the groom's shawl by a married woman to the
accompaniment of sacred mantras, after which they
encircle the fire three times.
Kanyadaan :
The Kanyadaan ritual marks the giving away of the bride by her
father to the groom after which the fire is circled for a fourth and
final time.
Kar-Machan :
Kar Mochan is the final wedding ritual during
which the couple's hands are released as the
priest chants a prayer.
Post Wedding Rituals…
Ashirvada :
Ashirvada ceremony refers to the blessings
showered by the elders on the newlyweds.
Jina Grahe Dhan Arpana :
Alms are given in the jain temple in accordance with
this particular ritual to express their thanksgiving.
Reception :
A reception is hosted by the
groom's family where the wife is
introduced to family friends and
others acquaintances.
Jain Celebrations…
Snatra Mahotsav :
also known as Snatra Puja, is the festival of oblation. During this
daily celebration, they worship the Lord with songs music and
dance. This celebration constitutes an aspect of the very
foundation of the Jain dharma.
Shanti Snatra:
is a special oblaton for universal peace. It is seen to be the most beneficial
celebration. It is on the last day of each celebration. What is done is
oblations are performed to the lord 27 - 108 times. Also in this ceremony
the Mangal Kumbh is installed as well as the holy light. Worship is offered
to nine grahas. Sanskrit shlokas are chanted. "May felicity, bliss.
cheerfulness and holiness prevail everywhere".
Dwhajarohan:
On the day of the installation of the image of the lord,
a new flag is hoisted on the tower of the temple. Also
on this day, the 17 types of worship are read out by
the orchestra. At the time of the Dwhaj puja, the flag
is hoisted.
More Jain Celebrations…
Sadharmik Vatsalya:
These are Jain community dinners. All those who meditate on and
remember the Navkar Mantra gather at a place and dine together and
feed one another. On this day, worship of the Lord and other devotional
activities are organized, These community dinners are controlled by the
code of Jain customs and practices. It is called Swami Vatsalya or
Navkarshi in the spoken language. Worship and spiritual activities are
arranged. In all the Jain festivals, prayers are offered for the peace, felicity
and prosperity (spiritual) of oneself, of society, nation and the whole
universe. The following activities are given special importance: giving
charity to the poor and the needy; rendering help; giving fodder and water
to animals; giving grain to birds; giving free medicines to the sick and the
disabled patients.
Even More Jain Celebrations…
Anjan Shalaka:
The name Anjan Shalaka is given to the ceremony of decorating the
eyes with new images of Jins with collyrium made of many special
substances. The decorations are applied using a golden stick. It can
only be smeared by the Acharya Bhagavant or by Anuyogacharya.
During this occasion, five events are celebrated.
1) Chyavan: incarnation of the lord in the mothers womb.
2) Janm: the birth of the Lord.
3) Deeksha: event of the lord renunciation of worldly life and
commencement of a life austerity, discipline and attainments.
4) Kaivalya Gnan: attaining enlightenment after peforming austerities
and tapasya.
5) Nirvan: Being completely delivered from the body and the karmas.
Only the event of the Kaivalyagnan is called Anjan Shalaka and it is
arranged to be carried out at midnight.
Symbols and Icons
Samantha MacMillan
Swastika and Open Palm
The Swastika and Open Palm is a symbol used to
represent the principles of Jainism. It was adopted in
1973, after the emancipation of Mahavira.
The outline of the symbol represents a person standing
with their feet apart and their arms on their hips.
The Swastika represents the 4 types of birth a soul can
be reincarnated as during it's journey through the
universe.
The three dots above the swastika represent the 3
jewels by which freedom can be attained: Right Faith,
Right Knowledge and Right Conduct.
The half-moon represents the place where souls that
have been freed reside.
The half-moon represents the place where souls that
have been freed reside.
The dot inside the half-moon represents the liberated,
pure soul.
The hand represents blessing and protection. Inside
the hand is a 24 spoked wheel which represents Jinasthe essence of Jain ethical teaching.
The saying at the bottom of the symbol,
"Parasparopagraho Jivanam," means "the purpose
of living beings is to assist each other."
Sallekhana
Sallekhana is a ritual in which gradual fasting occurs until eventual death.
.Eating disorders such as anorexia are not considered part of the Sallekhana
ritual.
.Sallekhana is not considered suicide although participants know that what
they are
doing will lead to death.
.It is considered to be a sacred and holy practise and not a form of selfdestruction.
.Sallekhana is usually undertaken by monks or nuns and is supervised by
religious
authorities.
.This is not seen as suicide but allows the participants to die in "full
meditative
awareness and maintain their vows until the end of their earthly existence.
Interesting Facts
Vanessa Weir
Key Definitions
Ahimsa- the central Jain belief of non-violence
Digambara- one of the two main sects of Jainism
Svetambara- the other sect of Jainism
Mahavira- the main holy teacher that founded Jainism
Number of Adherents
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Jainism is one of the three most ancient Indian religions still in existence
today
Approximately 4 million adherents worldwide
Most Jains reside in India, where they make up 0.5% of the Indian
population (1.1 billion)
Approximately 75,000 reside in the USA
About 25,000 Jains live in the UK (most in Leicester, England)
1991 census concluded that there were about 1,410 Jains in Canada
Jainism has influenced far beyond its small numbers
Religious Significance
- Beginning in the 7th–5th century
BCE, Jainism evolved into a cultural
system that has made significant
contributions to Indian philosophy, art,
mathematics, astronomy, and literature.
-Most important
contribution of Jainism to
global thinking is the
concept of Ahimsa
-The Jain- Digambara belief that
females cannot attain liberation
has contributed to the worldwide
issue of feminism
-Jain's belief that all things,
including animals, are gods
has contributed to
vegetarianism
-Although Jainism may not be
the most well-known world
religion, it has had a
large impact on the spiritual
development of the world
Interesting Facts
-Svetambara monks wear thin
white robes while the Digambara
monks reject any form of clothing
whatsoever and live naked, or 'sky
clad'. Nuns of both sects are clothed
-Buddha is thought to be
the more contemperary
version of Mahavira
-King Amoghavarsha
(early 9th century AD) is
reported to have abdicated
his throne to become a Jain
monk.
-Jain monks wear face masks to
prevent swallowing insects and
killing them
-Jainism believes in 7 hells
-When a being dies the soul
(jiva) goes to its next body
instantly. This body may not be
human or even animal.
What is
Jainism?
Jainism is represented by ahimsa which is the belief of
non-violence. This belief is shown in the Agam-a
sacred Jain scripture.
Samantha Cohen
Key Definitions
Ahimsa: the noble art of non-violence
Jina: also known as a conqueror who
sought to find a clear path of enlightenment
Asceticism: common Hindu practice
where people deprive themselves of all
pleasures to achieve union with their spirit
Meditation: the process of
eliminating self centered thoughts
and becoming one with the spirit who
rules the universe.
The Agam
" Some kill living beings for sacrificial purposes,
some kill for their flesh, some for the blood,
heart, liver, fate, feathers, or teeth, some with
specific reason, some out of fear (defense)
He who is disinclined from killing the smallest
living beings knows what suffering is because he
who knows his own happiness and pains know
others' too, and he who knows others' feelings
knows his own feelings. This is the way one
must compare himself with others. He who has
obtained this knowledge would not wish to live
at the expense of other living beings."
History and Origin of Jainism
Jainism is a sect of Hindu Brahminism,
believed by some scholars to be related
to Buddhism. It was founded in roughly
600 BCE by Jnatriputra. (Vardhamana
Mahavira).
- Vardhamana Mahavira (599-527 BCE) was
the man who developed the way of Jainism
life.
- It is believed that Mahavira was one of 24
holy teachers. He was seen as a Jina.
- Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE) was
seen as the contemporary Mahavira-now
known as Buddha.
Key Figures, Founders &
Beliefs
Danielle Porplycia
Founders
Vardhamana Mahavira
-(599-527 BCE)
-He was known as a model of non-violence.
-He grew up in India where hinduism was the dominant religion. He accepted this religion but
felt that some changes needed to be made.
-Mahavira was believed to be one of 24 holy teachers who came to teach people the principle of
self mastery.
-the 24th Thirthankara of Jainism.
-He was a "jina" who was meant to lead his followers through a path of enlightenment.
Mahavira became a conqueror at the age of forty-two.
At the age of 72 he died from a practice called Sallekhana which is where the participant
starves themselves to death. This allows the participant to die in full medatative awareness,
maintaing their vows until the end of their earthly exsistence.
After his death, the idea's of his message of non-violence stayed with thousands of people.
This developed into a religion.
Key Figures
In the Religion of Jainism there is no god. They believe only in divine beings
who they worship.The heavenly beings are not gods. Subject to karma and
reincarnation, these beings are called devas.
Jainism's explanation for having no god Atheism vs. Jainism:
• There have been arguments as to whether or not Jainism is a form of
atheism. Because they do not believe in god, a new transtheistic belief was given.
• This means that people who follow the Jainism religion do not believe that god exists
because it can not be proven. They believe that god did not create this universe.
•
•
•
Equality for all:
There is no God compared to whom each of us will always be inferior. Every soul has
the potential to become perfect. All souls are thought of as equal.
The existence of arhats:
The followers of Jainism do not acknowledge a god, but instead they acknowledge the
existence of higher beings called arhats in heaven who have a higher degree of
knowledge.
The arhats do not take any interest in the affairs of the world. They are completely
indifferent to what goes on here. They are worshiped because it is thought to bring
good karma.
Jainism’s View on God
•
Evil and suffering;
The jain view of god enables jainism to explain the evil and suffering that exists in the world unlike
Christianity which has the problem of explaining the existence of both good and evil. This is because if
there was truly a god, they believe that there should be no evil.
•
•
The worship of Jinas:
Jains worship jinas (perfected souls) not because they are gods but because they have achieved
perfection and have therefore liberated the cycle of birth and death. Jains believe that all people could
become gods in the sense that they have to potential to become a perfect soul.
•
•
There is no god to maintain the universe:
Jains do not believe that any form of god is necessary to keep the universe in existence, or that any
form of god has any power over the universe.
•
•
There is no god of judgment:
Jains do not believe in that sort of judgment. they believe that the quality of ones life is determined by
karma instead of a spiritual being.
•
•
The gods do not demand worship:
In the practice of jainism it is believed that there is no god who helps you or demands worship. They
believe that any being that wants to be worshiped would not be a god because it desires something and
therefore is not perfect.
Key Beliefs in Jainism
Followers of Jainism are very spiritual and they
believe several things that dictate how they live there
life. Those beliefs are mainly in Karma and Ahisma.
Stefanie Calovic
Karma
Karma can be defined as “the doctrine of fate as the inflexible
result of cause and effect; the theory of inevitable consequence”.
So in other words what goes around comes around.
Jainism teaches that there are two different kinds of
karma, Ghati ("destructive") and Aghati ("nondestructive"). So to give you an example of
“destructive karma” or Ghati if you were to kill
someone it would result in a shorter life span for you.
People that believe in Jainism think that Ghati Karma
will effect your physical life while Aghati will effect
your soul.
Ahisma
Ahisma is something people jains practice in that not only
to they do they agree to avoid physical violence but they
agree and make a commitment to not engage in any
activity that may cause harm to the world. This is because
they believe that everything even imamate objects have a
soul, or as they would call a Jiva. Followers of Jainism are
like vegetarians because of this
Jains are big believers in meditating because they think
that this will free them from any worldly attachments they
might have as well as help them gain the understanding
necessary to achieve enlightenment.
Another Interesting Belief
Followers of Jainism
believe in reincarnation…
For those of you who don’t know what
reincarnation it is the belief that your
soul will come back to earth after death
as something or someone else.
Followers Jainism believe that Karma
ties into what you will be reincarnated as
or how you will in another life.
We hope you enjoyed
learning about
Jainism  !
Thank You.