Fast Facts

Name of Religion: Jainism

Name of the Founder: Mahavira

What are the followers are called: Jains or Monks

Where/When it was begun: Founded 550 B.C in Eastern India

Number of followers today: 4 million

Main beliefs: Dharma, Karma, the soul, the universe, God, Reincarnation, The Three Jewels, Pilgrimmage, Fasting

Beliefs about God: Jains do not believe in a God or gods in the way that many other religions do, but they do believe in divine beings who are worthy of devotion

Beliefs about the afterlife: Repeated reincarnation until liberation

Overall purpose of life: Gain liberation from cycle of rebirth

More Information

Claudia pastorino

Some famous people who came from this religion or have either studied the religion is a famous pop singer named Claudia Pastorino (On the left). Born on 1965 in Genoa a city in Italy is an Italian singer, songwriter and author. She released five albums She dedicated her efforts to the learning of Jainism. 2002 she translated and published "The book of compassion" in Italian. She also translated and published  "Essence of Jainism: History Philosophy, Tales, by Editoru Riuniti.

Jayanti

 Mahavira Jayanti is a festival celebrated by Jainism founder Mahavira. It's also celebrates the day of Mahavira's birth. Jains will gather in temples to hear readings of Mahavira.  Images of Mahavira are paraded through the streets. (On the top).


 

Paryushana

The word 'Paryushana' means 'to stay in one place', which signifies a time of reflection and repentance for the Jain devotee.This festival consists of eight days of intensive fasting, repentance and pujas. (On the right) Often monks will be invited to give teachings from the Jain scriptures.