Mahavratas (major vows)
Jain philosophy refers to the ancient Indian philosophical system found in Jainism. One of the main features of Jain philosophy is its dualistic metaphysics, which holds that there are two distinct categories of existence, the living, conscious or sentient being (jiva) and the non-living or material (ajiva).[1]
Jain texts discuss numerous philosophical topics such as epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, cosmology, and soteriology. Jain thought is primarily concerned with understanding the nature of living beings, how these beings are bound by karma (which are seen as fine material particles) and how living beings may be liberated (moksha) from the cycle of reincarnation. Also notable is the Jain belief in a beginning-less and cyclical universe and a rejection of a Creator deity.
Important Places In Varanasi
(Sanskrit: सुपार्श्वनाथ Supārśvanātha), also known as Suparśva, was the seventh Jain Tīrthankara of the present age (avasarpini). He was born to King Pratistha and Queen Prithvi at Varanasi on 12 Jestha Shukla in the Ikshvaku He is said to have attained moksha at Shikharji on the sixth day of the dark half of the month of Phālguna.
Chandraprabha was the eighth Jain Tīrthankara of the present age (avasarpini). He was born to King Mahasena and Queen Lakshmana Devi at Chandrapuri, Varanasi on the 12th day of the month Pausa in the Ikshvaku clan. Nine months before the birth of Chandraprabha, Queen Lakshmana Devi dreamt the sixteen most auspicious dreams. Mahasena named Tirthankar Chandraprabha because of his complexion was white like the moon. According to Uttarapurana, Indra named him Chandraprabha because at his birth the earth and night-lotus were blossomed.
Shreyansanath was the eleventh Jain Tirthankara of the present age (Avasarpini).[2] According to Jain beliefs, he became a Siddha – a liberated soul which has destroyed all of its karma. Shreyansanatha was born to King Vishnu and Queen Vishna at Simhapuri, near Sarnath in the Ikshvaku dynasty. His birth date was the twelfth day of the Falgun Krishna month of the Indian calendar.
The Sarnath Jain Tirth temple located at Sarnath, Varanasi is one of the main shrines of Shreyansanatha.
Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of four Tirthankar and is considered one of the most holiest pilgrimage places. Bhelpur is believed to be the birthplace of Parshvanath, the 23rd Thirthankara, hence, a place for three Kalyanak – Chyavan, Janm, and Deeksha
