Jainism

Customs of Jainism :

There are two main Customs of Jainism :

Entering into Religion : In Jainism, it is upto an Individual to take the guided path of a guru. If a Jain is Devout or revers a particular Guru/ Teacher, he can become a member of the that Guru by performing the Samana Ceremony which is done especially for this purpose.

Marriage : Jain Marriages are simple ones - without the pomp and show. The partners are selected by the parents by means of matching the horoscope. In the Marriage, the hands of both the partners are tied together with a string in front of the God Fire. Then some vows are exchanged in front of a monk and thus the marriage is solmenised.

Places of Pilgrimage

Mount Parsarvnath - Situated in Hazari Bagh District of Jharkhand, this place has unequalled sanctity. It is the place where 20 of the 24 Thirthanakras left for their heavenly adobe and achieved Moksha. The mountains here lead to the peaceful Temples which are made in the memory of these Tirthanakras. The most beautiful of all of them is in the South East, having five fluted domes and an image in black Marble of the 23rd Tirthankara - Parsvanath who died in 1765 A.D.

Khajuraho - Situated near Jabalpur District in Madhya Pradesh, the Khajuraho Temples are world famous for their architecture and beauty. The Khajuraho temples comprise of Adinatha, Santinatha and Parshvanatha Temples besides the old and modern shrines. These also come under the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Halebid - Sixty four miles away from the Sravana Belgola are situated the famous Jain Temples of Halebid. The Parashvanatah, the largest and the most important of the three Tirthankaras was built in 1133 A.D. This Jain Temple has the Statue of Parashvanath containing 14 pillars. Its known for the beautiful architecture it has.

Not to be Missed

Dilwara Temple - Situated in Rajasthan in Mount Abu, the Dilwara Temples are a must see. Known for their architectural beauty, the two out of the five temples here are made out of pure marble at a height of more than twelve hundred mts above the sea level. Mount Abu is also one of the beautiful Hill Stations India has.

Our Suggestions

• Jainism and its followers are the most peaceful clan found to date. The most Orthodox of them do not even believe in even killing an ant. So if you are meeting them pay do respect to the religion and its people.
• Maintain silence as you enter a typical Jain Temple. These people usually maintain complete silence; so avoid talking while inside the temple. However, one can talk in the premises of the Temple.
• Anything long and mostly covered is welcome as a dress in the Jain Temples. Skimply dressed people are usually not allowed inside; so be properly dressed when visiting a Jain Temple.
• Jains are purely vegetarian with no exceptions. They even avoid eating anything which grows down earth like Onions and Carrots. So be prepared to have a simple food when you are visiting any Jain Home.
• Try to have food in your own hotel or any of the good places suggested by your Guide. Avoid eating from road side nooks.
• Cottons and Semi - Cottons are the best for all time Indian Seasons and Weather.
• Keep your belongings with you. Do not disclose your Passport Details with strangers - even your guide.
• Pre Book your Hotel Room and make Pre Reservations before travelling.
• For Tours and further information, contact us.