History Of Jainism With Special Reference To Mathura

SR No.: 022807
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: U K Sharma
Publisher: D K Printworld P L
Publication Year: 2001
Total Pages: 304
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 9 MB

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History of Jainism with Special Reference to Mathură
Mahavira's principal contribution was to popularise the principle of ahimsa; on the basis of this he elaborated the ethical code for both monks and householders, and to provide a background to it, he put forth the philosophy of the seven realities (tattvas).250 He admitted all aspirants to the Jaina community, irrespective of their caste and sex, and inaugurated a system of peaceful proselytisation.251 Mahāvīra left behind him a strongly organised religious order. He had eleven ganadharas (chief disciples or heads of schools) who seem to have kept the organisation of the Jaina Church under proper discipline. 252 The organisational skill of Mahāvīra and devotion of the ganadharas kept the Jaina Church in good shape.253 Due to the incessant efforts of the religious order left behind by Mahāvīra, animal sacrifices lessened and the doctrine of ahimsa gained popularity.254
Mahāvīra appears to have enjoyed considerable following. According to Jaina tradition, at the time of Mahāvīra's death his followers numbered 14,000 monks, 36,000 nuns, and nearly half a million layfollowers 255 159,000 laymen and 318,000 laywomen.256 The monks were headed by Indrabhuti; the nuns by Candana; the laymen were headed by Sankhaśataka, and the laywomen by Sulasă and Revati.257 The numerical strength of the Jainas kept on increasing and Jainism spread to various parts of India.258
250. CUHI, I, p. 220. 251. Ibid., pp. 220-1. 252. 253. Ibid., p. 24. 254.
JAA, I, p. 23.
CUHI, I, p. 221.
255. HJM, p. 70; JSS, p. 22.
256.
Ibid.; Ibid.
257.
Ibid.; Ibid.
258.
CUHI, I, p. 221.