The 24 Jinas left teachings and their personal examples to inspire their followers to grow spiritually. The parts of the fourfold community follow in their own ways. Lay men and lay women support the wandering monks and nuns, who vow to live like the Jinas. The growing popularity of Jain studies demonstrates the continuing appeal of this ancient faith.
Mystical poet and reformer Rājacandra is considered a saint by his followers
The most famous temple to the 15th Jina is, unusually, named for its sponsor
Mother of the first Jina, she is also worshiped in her own right
A pioneering scholar, he proved Jainism an independent religion
Known as ‘Āgama Prabhākara’ – ‘Light of the Tradition’ – for his outstanding scholarship
Śvetāmbaras hold the 19th Jina is female but Digambaras say all Jinas are male
The 11th Jina was born, initiated and became omniscient in Hirāmanpur in Sarnath
The name of the sixth Jina means ‘bright as a red lotus’ in Sanskrit
The virtuous soḷ satī or 16 satīs are role models for Jain women
The ninth Jina is known as both Puṣpadanta and Suvidhi
Eminent 18th-century British Indologist and polymath
