Sumati Jnana

SR No.: 012067
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Shivkant Dwivedi, Navneet Jain
Publisher: Shantisagar Chhani Granthamala
Publication Year: 2007
Total Pages: 468
Language: English, Hindi
Classification: Smruti_Granth & Articles
File Size: 14 MB

Page 170

Mahavira (1882 BC to 1810 BC)
J. P. Mittal
Jainism
The people believed that Jainism was merely a branch of Buddhism. Both religions put emphasis on the law of Karma and Ahimsa. It was also believed that Mahavira was the founder of Jainism as Buddha was the founder of Buddhism. But Jainism is a separate religion from Buddhism. Mahavira is the twenty-fourth Tirthankara of the Prophet of Jainism. The founder of Jainism was Rishabha, the son of Nabhi Agnidhara, and the fifth descendant of Swayambhuva Manu of Vedic Yuga (7275 BC).
A Tirthankara is one who establishes the four-fold order - Monk (Sadhu), Nun (Sadhvi), Layman (Shravak) and Laywoman (Shravika) of religion. Tirthankars are also known as Arihants or Jinas. Arihant is one who destroys his inner enemies like anger, greed, passion, ego etc. Jina is one who conquers his inner enemies like anger, greed, passion, ego etc. The followers of Jina are known as Jains. Controversy regarding the date of birth of Mahavira There is lot of controversy regarding the date of birth of Mahavira. His date of birth is being taken as 599 BC.
The present Indian History taught in schools and colleges was written by the British. Several mistakes took place while writing the Indian History. Alexander invaded India in 328 BC. At that time, Satavahanas were ruling in Magadha and not the Nandas. Thus, Megasthenese came to India during the period of Satavahanas who ruled from 701 BC to 227 BC. Magasthenese Indica is not available in its original form and only a few extracts made by other Greek writers from the Indica have come down to us. He did not know any Indian language and had come to Punjab only. He never went to Pataliputra.
Sandrocottus as well as his son Amitrochetus mentioned by Magasthenese were the Saka kings of Punjab in Satavahanas period. Paribhadras (Palibothras) were adjacent to Gandatarin