Jainism in Bihar

The article on Bihar portrays the state as the cradle of Jainism. It explains that Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, was born in the Kundalapura area of modern Bihar and attained kevala‑jñāna after 12 years of penance. The writer refutes the idea that Jainism arose as a protest against Brahmanism and reminds readers that the creed predates Mahavira; Parsvanatha and other Tirthankaras had propagated it long before. Ancient scriptures mention Lord Ṛṣabha preaching in Magadha at the end of the Stone Age, suggesting that the faith’s origins lie deep in prehistory. During Mahavira’s time, Jainism radiated from Bihar to other parts of India. Kings such as Srenika (Bimbisara), Ajatasatru, Chandragupta, Sampriti and Salisuka adopted Jainism, and Mahavira’s grandson Sampriti spread its gospel to distant regions, including Afghanistan. Bihar retains numerous antiquities: temples on Pārsavanatha and Kuluha hills, shrines at Pawapuri and Rajgir, and scattered statues and architectural remains in districts such as Manbhum, Singhbhum, Sahabad and Bhagalpur. The article lists three Tirthankaras – Sitalanatha, Munisuvrata and Naminatha – born in Bihar and enumerates many others who attained nirvāṇa on its sacred hills. It concludes by quoting Dr B. C. Law, who notes that ancient Magadha was the scene of Mahavira’s wanderings and that cities such as Rajagriha and Nalanda were centres of Jaina activity. The piece emphasises that Bihar’s antiquities attest to the state’s enduring importance in Jaina history despite later neglect.

Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.