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BIHAR : THE HOME-LAND OF JAINISM
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Dr. Ramjee Singh Ex-M.P. & Vice Chancellor - Bihar
Bihar is the Cradle not only of the Vedic-Upanisadic civilizations but it is also the homeland of both Buddhism & Jainism. Out of 24 Saviours or Tirthankaras, nearly 20 of them have obtained final emancipation in Bihar.
Not to speak of legendary Jainism the historical Jainism with Parsvnath & Mahavira were closely associated with Bihar. The hills of Rajgraha were the most suitably places of abode as well as meditations for those spiritually elevated deities or Tirthankaras. Even at the present time, Virayatan presents a blooming seat of Jain Sadhana headed by Sadhvi&AcaryaChandana. Earlier, the great Jain Saint & Scholar Shri Amar Muni Maharaj had lived & hard to present it as seat of Jain Religion & culture. AcaryaChandana had set up an art exhibition through her rare paintings. Indian history demands that the Jainism may be traced back to Parsvanath, the 23rdTirthankara. The hill sacred seat of Lord Parsvanath is named after him as Parsvanath. Even the Railway Station on Delhi. Howrah Chord Railway line is named as Parsvanath. A word about Tirthankara. Literally it (Tirth) means it is a place of pilgrimage. Jainas interpret "Tirth" as that which enables a person to achieve salvation.
Historically speaking, it is granted that Lord Mahavira is contemporary of Lord Buddha, if not earlier, & these two religions are different & independent religions, belonging to Sramana culture of India. The Western indologist has also accepted the independent status of Jainism. However, this is also clear that both or either of Parsvanath or Mahavira are not founders of Jainism but only are powerful exponents. Even in Yajurveda, there are references & mention of names not only of Rishabhdeva but also of other prophets like Ajitnath, Aristnemi etc. The most religions book of the History admit that Rishabhdeva is not founders of Jain Religion.
Thus, it is clear that Jainism had prevailed in India even before Parsvanath&Mahavira. According to the Jaina religious tradition, Tirthankaras are in particular cycle of creation (Utsarpini&Avsarpini). Now, no more Tirthankara will come on earth (It is similar to the tradition of Ten Avataras or ten garas it Sikhism, the coming of last prophet of Mohmad in Islam or Jesus in Christianity.
So it is matter of faith of Jainas to accept Lord Mahavira as the last Tirthankar of the Jainas whose teachings are supposed to pave the path of liberation & tree us from cycle of death & life. In other words, Mahavira is the last Tirthankara according to Jain faith.
Bihar is the most fortunate to have the divine credit to celebrate the Vory birth of Lord Mahavira in about 600 B.C. at Kundalpur in North Bihar. His father was king Siddharth who was a king belonging to the warrior caste. His mother was Trishala, the daughter of royal family of Vaishali (modern Muzafforpur& Hajipur). There are many legends about the great Valour, infinite knowledge, fearlessness & his life of detachment. Where he attained the age, offers came to him for marriage but
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