Mithila—The Heart of Jainism

This article presents Mithila—historically known as Videha in the north‑eastern Indian subcontinent—as a heartland of Jainism. The **Mithilapuri Jain Teerth** in present‑day Bihar is revered by both Digambara and Śvetāmbara sects because it is considered the birthplace and penance place of two Jain tirthankaras, Bhagwan **Mallinath** and **Naminath**. Pilgrims believe that these tirthankaras were born and attained enlightenment in this region, making Mithila a site of multiple auspicious events. The article explains that Digambara tradition locates the shrine at Sursand near the Indo‑ Napol border, while Śvetāmbara tradition identifies it with Dumra; both agree on the sanctity of Mithila and celebrate Janma Kalyanaka festivals to honour the tirthankaras. The author describes temples housing idols of Mallinath and Naminath, smaller shrines for attendant deities, a dharmashala for pilgrims, and relics that attest to the antiquity of the site. He notes that Mithila’s art and literature have absorbed Jain themes and that Maithili painters depict tirthankaras and Jain cosmology alongside Hindu motifs. During annual Janma Kalyanaka festivals, devotees from across India gather at the shrine to perform puja, recite scriptures, meditate and participate in community meals, reinforcing a sense of shared heritage. The article emphasises that Mithila’s association with Jainism extends back many centuries and that the region has produced Jain scholars and ascetics who contributed to the development of Prakrit and Maithili literature. By situating the shrine within its cultural and historical context, the author highlights the pluralistic coexistence of Jainism with other traditions in the fertile plains of Bihar and urges readers to recognise Mithila as a living centre of pilgrimage.

Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.