Jainism in Maharashtra: Difference between revisions

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| native_name      = Marathi Jain
| native_name      = Marathi Jain
| native_name_lang = Marathi
| native_name_lang = Marathi
| regions          = {{IND}}<br /> [[Maharashtra]]
| regions          = {{IND}}<br /> [[Maharashtra]]
| languages        = [[Marathi language|Marathi]] and [[Kannada language|Kannada]]
| languages        = [[Marathi language|Marathi]] and [[Kannada language|Kannada]]
| religions        = [[Jainism]]
| religions        = [[Jainism]]
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{{Jainism}}
{{Jainism}}


[[Jainism]] has been present in [[Maharashtra]] since ancient times.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |last=Starr |first=Kelsey Jo |date=2021-08-17 |title=6 facts about Jains in India |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/08/17/6-facts-about-jains-in-india/ |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=Pew Research Center |language=en-US}}&lt;/ref&gt; The famous [[Ellora Caves]] demonstrate that Jainism was part of a thriving religious culture in Maharashtra in premodern times.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Bot Verification |url=https://jainavenue.org/development-of-jain-architecture-from-caves-to-temple-architecture-in-maharashtra/ |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=jainavenue.org}}&lt;/ref&gt;
[[Jainism]] has been present in [[Maharashtra]] since ancient times.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Starr |first=Kelsey Jo |date=2021-08-17 |title=6 facts about Jains in India |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/08/17/6-facts-about-jains-in-india/ |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=Pew Research Center |language=en-US}}</ref> The famous [[Ellora Caves]] demonstrate that Jainism was part of a thriving religious culture in Maharashtra in premodern times.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bot Verification |url=https://jainavenue.org/development-of-jain-architecture-from-caves-to-temple-architecture-in-maharashtra/ |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=jainavenue.org}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
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* [[Upajjhaya]]
* [[Upajjhaya]]
* [[Kumbhoj|Kamboja]]&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BsBEgVa804IC&amp;q=Kambhoja&amp;pg=PA910 |title=People of India: Maharashtra - Kumar Suresh Singh, Anthropological Survey of India - Google Boeken |isbn=9788179911013 |access-date=2012-04-24|last1=Bhanu |first1=B. V. |year=2004 |publisher=Popular Prakashan |language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lYSd-3yL9h0C&amp;q=Kambhoja+desh+features&amp;pg=PA265 |title=The Castes and Tribes of H.E.H. the Nizam's Dominions - Syed Siraj Ul Hassan - Google Boeken |isbn=9788120604889 |access-date=2012-04-24|last1=Hassan |first1=Syed Siraj ul |year=1989 |language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt;
* [[Kumbhoj|Kamboja]]<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BsBEgVa804IC&amp;q=Kambhoja&amp;pg=PA910 |title=People of India: Maharashtra - Kumar Suresh Singh, Anthropological Survey of India - Google Boeken |isbn=9788179911013 |access-date=2012-04-24|last1=Bhanu |first1=B. V. |year=2004 |publisher=Popular Prakashan |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lYSd-3yL9h0C&amp;q=Kambhoja+desh+features&amp;pg=PA265 |title=The Castes and Tribes of H.E.H. the Nizam's Dominions - Syed Siraj Ul Hassan - Google Boeken |isbn=9788120604889 |access-date=2012-04-24|last1=Hassan |first1=Syed Siraj ul |year=1989 |language=en}}</ref>
* Harada
* Harada
*Jabade, Jain community in Maharashtra
*Jabade, Jain community in Maharashtra
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==Religious organizations==
==Religious organizations==
{{main|Dakshin Bharat Jain Sabha}}
{{main|Dakshin Bharat Jain Sabha}}
The [[Dakshin Bharat Jain Sabha]], Veer Seva Dal are religious and social service organization of the [[Jainism|Jain]]s of South India. The organization is headquartered at [[Kolhapur]], Maharashtra, India.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OmBjoAFMfjoC&amp;q=dakshina+bharat+jain+sabha&amp;pg=PA368 |title=People of India: Maharashtra - Kumar Suresh Singh - Google Books |isbn=9788179911006 |access-date=2013-01-30|last1=Bhanu |first1=B. V. |year=2004 }}&lt;/ref&gt; The association is credited with being one of the first Jain associations to start reform movements among the Jains in modern India.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LW8czr_HzzwC&amp;q=South+Indian+Jain+Association&amp;pg=PA235 |title=The Assembly of Listeners: Jains in Society - Google Books |date= 4 April 1991|isbn=9780521365055 |access-date=2013-01-30|last1=Carrithers |first1=Michael |last2=Humphrey |first2=Caroline |language=en }}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JdNNz1jcN9cC&amp;q=South+Indian+Jain+Association&amp;pg=PA72 |title=A World Religions Reader - Google Books |date= 26 May 2009|isbn=9781405171090 |access-date=2013-01-30|last1=Markham |first1=Ian S. |last2=Sapp |first2=Christy Lohr |language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt; The organization mainly seeks to represent the interests of the native Jains of Maharashtra ([[Marathi Jains]]) and Karnataka ([[Kannada Jains]]).
The [[Dakshin Bharat Jain Sabha]], Veer Seva Dal are religious and social service organization of the [[Jainism|Jain]]s of South India. The organization is headquartered at [[Kolhapur]], Maharashtra, India.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OmBjoAFMfjoC&amp;q=dakshina+bharat+jain+sabha&amp;pg=PA368 |title=People of India: Maharashtra - Kumar Suresh Singh - Google Books |isbn=9788179911006 |access-date=2013-01-30|last1=Bhanu |first1=B. V. |year=2004 }}</ref> The association is credited with being one of the first Jain associations to start reform movements among the Jains in modern India.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LW8czr_HzzwC&amp;q=South+Indian+Jain+Association&amp;pg=PA235 |title=The Assembly of Listeners: Jains in Society - Google Books |date= 4 April 1991|isbn=9780521365055 |access-date=2013-01-30|last1=Carrithers |first1=Michael |last2=Humphrey |first2=Caroline |language=en }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JdNNz1jcN9cC&amp;q=South+Indian+Jain+Association&amp;pg=PA72 |title=A World Religions Reader - Google Books |date= 26 May 2009|isbn=9781405171090 |access-date=2013-01-30|last1=Markham |first1=Ian S. |last2=Sapp |first2=Christy Lohr |language=en}}</ref> The organization mainly seeks to represent the interests of the native Jains of Maharashtra ([[Marathi Jains]]) and Karnataka ([[Kannada Jains]]).


{{main|Jainism in Mumbai}}
{{main|Jainism in Mumbai}}
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* [[Shantinath Jain Teerth]]
* [[Shantinath Jain Teerth]]
* [[Ramtek Jain temple|Shantinath temple]], [[Ramtek]]
* [[Ramtek Jain temple|Shantinath temple]], [[Ramtek]]
* [[Jahaj Mandir]], [[Mandwala]]&lt;ref&gt;[http://shribahubali.org/bahubali_Jahajmandir.htm Jahaj mandir] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913032230/http://www.shribahubali.org/bahubali_Jahajmandir.htm |date=13 September 2014 }}&lt;/ref&gt;
* [[Jahaj Mandir]], [[Mandwala]]<ref>[http://shribahubali.org/bahubali_Jahajmandir.htm Jahaj mandir] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913032230/http://www.shribahubali.org/bahubali_Jahajmandir.htm |date=13 September 2014 }}</ref>
* [[Jintur]]
* [[Jintur]]
* [[Godiji|Godiji Parshwanath Temple]], [[Mumbai]]
* [[Godiji|Godiji Parshwanath Temple]], [[Mumbai]]
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==Gallery==
==Gallery==
&lt;gallery mode="packed" heights="150"&gt;
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:Ellora-Jain-cave.jpg|Jain cave in [[Ellora]]
File:Ellora-Jain-cave.jpg|Jain cave in [[Ellora]]
File:Shri 1008 Shantinath Jain Temple.JPG|[[Shantinath Jain Teerth]], [[Indapur]], [[Pune]]
File:Shri 1008 Shantinath Jain Temple.JPG|[[Shantinath Jain Teerth]], [[Indapur]], [[Pune]]
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File:23rd Tirthankara Parshva Parsvanath Parshvanatha Jainism India.jpg|Idol of Lord Shri Parshvanath at Kachner
File:23rd Tirthankara Parshva Parsvanath Parshvanatha Jainism India.jpg|Idol of Lord Shri Parshvanath at Kachner
File:Lord_Mahaveer_at_dharashiv_cave.jpg|Lord Mahaveer at [[Dharashiv Caves]]
File:Lord_Mahaveer_at_dharashiv_cave.jpg|Lord Mahaveer at [[Dharashiv Caves]]
&lt;/gallery&gt;
</gallery>
Shri Kalikund Parshwanatha Digambar Jain Kshetra
Shri Kalikund Parshwanatha Digambar Jain Kshetra


Latest revision as of 11:46, 22 March 2026


Marathi Jain
Marathi Jain
Indra Sabha, Ellora Caves
Regions with significant populations
 India
Maharashtra
Languages
Marathi and Kannada
Religion
Jainism
Part of a series on
Jainism
Jain prayers
Philosophy
Ethics
Major figures
Major sects
Jain Literature
Other
Festivals
Pilgrimages
Tirth

Jainism has been present in Maharashtra since ancient times.[1] The famous Ellora Caves demonstrate that Jainism was part of a thriving religious culture in Maharashtra in premodern times.[2]

History[edit | edit source]

981 A.D. Marathi inscription at the foot of Bahubali statue at Jain temple in Shravanabelagola is one of the earliest known Marathi inscription found. It was derived from Jain-Prakrit language.

Jainism in Maharashtra has a long history. The oldest inscription in Maharashtra is a 2nd-century BC Jain inscription in a cave near Pale village in the Pune District. It was written in the Jain Prakrit and includes the Navkar Mantra. The first Marathi inscription known is at Shravanabelagola, Karnataka near the left foot of the statue of Bahubali, dated 981 CE.

Jainism in Maharashtra was patronised by many rulers such kings from the Shilaharas and Rashtrakuta. Many of forts were built by kings from these dynasties and thus Jain temples or their remains are found in them. Texts such as the Shankardigvijaya and Shivlilamruta suggest that a large number of Marathi people followed Jainism in the ancient period.

Jain communities in present day Maharashtra[edit | edit source]

Kumbhoj Jain temple

There are many native Jain communities in present day Maharashtra. The communities tend to be endogamous, and generally do not intermarry with the Jains who have arrived from North India. They belong to the Digambar sect. The four largest communities by numbers are:

  • Saitwal, originally Tailors and Cloth Merchants
  • Chaturtha, originally agriculturists, now engaged in various professions
  • Panchama, various professions[citation needed]
  • Kasar, traditionally coppersmiths

Each of the above communities are affiliated to their own Matha and led by the Matha leader called Bhattaraka. In addition to the above four, there are several smaller native Maharashtrian Jain communities.

  • Upajjhaya
  • Kamboja[3][4]
  • Harada
  • Jabade, Jain community in Maharashtra
  • Dhakad A small Jain community found primarily in Western Vidarbha districts of Akola, Yavatmal, Washim and Amravati.

Religious organizations[edit | edit source]

Main article: Dakshin Bharat Jain Sabha

The Dakshin Bharat Jain Sabha, Veer Seva Dal are religious and social service organization of the Jains of South India. The organization is headquartered at Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.[5] The association is credited with being one of the first Jain associations to start reform movements among the Jains in modern India.[6][7] The organization mainly seeks to represent the interests of the native Jains of Maharashtra (Marathi Jains) and Karnataka (Kannada Jains).

Main article: Jainism in Mumbai

Jain Tirthas and Temples[edit | edit source]

Painting inside Indra Sabha cave at Ellora Caves
Cave temple
Main temple

Shri Kalikund Parshwanatha Digambar Jain Kshetra, Kundal Sangli.

Gallery[edit | edit source]

Shri Kalikund Parshwanatha Digambar Jain Kshetra

Notable Marathi Jains[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Starr, Kelsey Jo (17 August 2021). "6 facts about Jains in India". Pew Research Center. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
  2. ↑ "Bot Verification". jainavenue.org. Retrieved 23 December 2024. {{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help)
  3. ↑ Bhanu, B. V. (2004). People of India: Maharashtra - Kumar Suresh Singh, Anthropological Survey of India - Google Boeken. Popular Prakashan. ISBN 9788179911013. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
  4. ↑ Hassan, Syed Siraj ul (1989). The Castes and Tribes of H.E.H. the Nizam's Dominions - Syed Siraj Ul Hassan - Google Boeken. ISBN 9788120604889. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
  5. ↑ Bhanu, B. V. (2004). People of India: Maharashtra - Kumar Suresh Singh - Google Books. ISBN 9788179911006. Retrieved 30 January 2013.
  6. ↑ Carrithers, Michael; Humphrey, Caroline (4 April 1991). The Assembly of Listeners: Jains in Society - Google Books. ISBN 9780521365055. Retrieved 30 January 2013.
  7. ↑ Markham, Ian S.; Sapp, Christy Lohr (26 May 2009). A World Religions Reader - Google Books. ISBN 9781405171090. Retrieved 30 January 2013.
  8. ↑ Jahaj mandir Archived 13 September 2014 at the Wayback Machine

External links[edit | edit source]

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