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Jainism : The Cosmic Vision colossal monolithic Jain statues of the South, such as that of Gomateshvara at Shravan Belgola, are among the wonders of the world. The grandeur of Jain sculpture is an outstanding aspect of Jain heritage. The inspiring dignity of Shatrunjay temples, the stately vastness of Shravan Belgola, the fine subtleties of Ranakpur tirtha and the artistic carvings of Delvada temples - are some of the unique examples of the Indian Cultural Heritage. The Jain literature, written in several Indian languages so as to reach many people, is a rich compendium of diverse interests. The writings of these acharyas have manifold attractions not only for those in Jain studies, but also for lovers of literature, history, culture, philosophy, and comparative religion. It is to this vast source that we now turn for an understanding of Jain beliefs of the universe, religion and mortality.
It was however, at the hands of Shalivahana, the great artist, who flourished in the reign of the connoiseeur of art, the Mogul Emperor Jehangir that Jain art of painting attained its glory. In the private collection of Shri Narendra Singh Singhi of Calcutta, there is a manuscript Shalibhadracharita illuminated by this artist with more than 20 paintings, some of which are superbly executed. Jainism has thus significantly enriched Indian culture in the fields of ethics, philosophy, literature, science and aesthetics.
Lord Mahavira emphasized that man should not only care for the welfare and advancement of his soul, but also help the soul of all sentient beings towards the same goal by giving them protection and by helping them to march forward on the path of salvation. He who loses his soul, loses everything. Self-help and self-reliance constitute the basic motto of Jain
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