JainGPT
How old is Jain Religion?
Quick Answer
Jainism is one of the oldest religions of India, with roots predating Buddhism and the Aryan religion. The last Tirthankara, Mahavira, lived around 527 B.C., but Jain tradition considers the religion timeless and much older, with earlier Tirthankaras like Pārsvanatha flourishing in the 9th-8th century B.C.
Detailed Answer
Jainism is recognized as one of the oldest religious traditions in India, with a history that extends far beyond the commonly known timeline of its last Tirthankara, Mahavira, who lived around 527 B.C. According to Jain tradition, the religion is timeless, suggesting an eternal origin that transcends historical dating. This tradition places Mahavira as a contemporary of Buddha, but Jainism itself is believed to have existed long before this period.
Source References
This answer is generated by JainGPT and grounded in primary Jain scriptures, commentaries and scholarly texts from our digitised library. See the cited references below and our editorial standards.
Please sign in to vote on answers.
Comments (Loading...)
Please sign in to add comments and vote.