Temple worship is mentioned in early texts that describe gods paying homage to images and relics of Tirthankaras in heavenly eternal shrines. While Mahavira himself appears to have made no statement regarding image worship, it quickly became a vital part of the Jain tradition. Numerous images of Tirthankaras in the sitting and standing postures dating from the early Common Era have been uncovered in excavations of a Jain stupa, or funerary monument, at Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. The earliest images of Tirthankaras are all nude and distinguished by carved inscriptions of their names on the pedestals. By the 5th century, symbols specific to each Tirthankara (e.g., a lion for Mahavira) began to appear. The practice of associating one of the 24 shasanadevatas (“doctrine goddesses”) with images of individual Tirthankaras began in the 9th century. Some of these goddesses, such as Ambika (“Little Mother”), who is associated with the Tirthankara Arishtanemi, continue to have great importance for the Jain devotee. The images are generally located near the entrance to Jain temples and can be propitiated for aid in worldly matters.
Closely associated with the obligatory rites of the laity, worship (puja) can be made to all liberated souls, to monks, and to the scriptures. The focus for most image-worshipping Jains (murtipujaka) is the icon of the Tirthankara located in the central shrine room of the temple or, alternatively, in a domestic shrine. Temples also house subsidiary Tirthankara images. Although Tirthankaras remain unaffected by offerings and worship and cannot, as individuals who are liberated from rebirth, respond in any way, such devotional actions serve as a form of meditative discipline. Daily worship includes hymns of praise and prayers, the recitation of sacred formulas and the names of the Tirthankaras, and idol worship—bathing the image and making offerings to it of flowers, fruit, and rice. Shvetambaras also decorate images with clothing and ornaments. A long-standing debate within both Jain communities concerns the relative value of external acts of worship and internalized acts of mental discipline and meditation. Monks and nuns of all sects are prohibited from displays of physical worship.
Articles from Britannica encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.
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Jainism - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
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Along with Hinduism and Buddhism, Jainism is one of the three major religions that started in ancient India. Its followers are called Jains. In the early 21st century there were more than 4 million Jains, most of them in India.
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Jainism - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
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Along with Hinduism and Buddhism, Jainism is one of the major religions that developed within the ancient civilization of India. The name of the religion derives from the term Jina, meaning "victor" or "conqueror." The goal of Jainism explains this term. It is the spiritual progress of the individual through a succession of stages until he is able to conquer and renounce dependence on the world and the self. Thereby the individual is freed from all contamination by the material world.
The topic Jainism is discussed at the following external Web sites.
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Jainism Global Resource Center
- Comprehensive resource on Jainism which originated in India. Features articles on the religious philosophy, literature, education, and its contribution to culture, science, and history. Also contains audio clippings of prayers.
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Internet Sacred Text Archive - Jain Texts
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Jinvani.com
- Information on particular branch of Jainism referred to as Digambar . Provides its history and philosophy.
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Indianetzone - Jainism
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Hindu Website - Jainism
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Indianetzone - Origin of Jainism
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Fact Monster - Society - Jainism
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jainworld.com - Rituals and festivals in Jainism
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The New Georgia Encyclopedia - Jainism
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History World - History of Jainism
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Jain heritage centres - History of Jainism
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Jaindharmonline.com - History of Jainism
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Religion Facts - History of Jainism
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The Internet Sacred Text Archive - Jainism
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Jain Net - Introduction to Jainism
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Fact Monster - Society - Jainism
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Iloveindia.com - Jainism
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Indianetzone - Jainism
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Religious Tolerance - Jainism
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The Catholic Encyclopedia - Jainism
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The Divine Life Society - Religions of the World
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Kamat’s Potpourri - Jainism
- Exploration of Jainism in India, including topics on the arts and monuments influenced by jains.
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British Broadcasting Corporation - Jain Sects
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British Broadcasting Corporation - History of Jainism
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British Broadcasting Corporation - Jainism