Jainism is a pre-vedic shramanic religious faith. It appeared first in the Northern India. Its earliest exponent was Rishaba the first Tirthankara. However it was finally codified by Lord Mahavira or Vardhamana, the 24th Tirthankara. Lord Mahavira was an elder contemporary of Gauthama Buddha he was born in 599 B.C. Jaina theology believes that the creator - God behind the vast universe around us has no place. It doesn't believe in the religious concept of 'Apauruseya' as put forth by Vedic religion. Jainism differs from Vedic religion in many aspects. Though a few common things may be seen Jainism was a contemporary reformist religious movement in India. It stood as a testimony to Indias spiritual vitality. It occoupies the foremost rank in the shramana sects. There is an abundance of literary, religious and cultural materials in Jainism to learn, to practice and propagate. It challenged the authority of vedas. It observed a set of ethical principles. It practiced a detached life with a view to liberating themselves from the worldly life. Jainism bears a great antiquity. Rishabadeva is mentioned even in the Vishnu and Bhagavat Puranas.

     Jainism is unique in its philosophy. It has played a very important role in the linguistic development of the country. The Jaina philosophy might be summed up in one sentence. The living and the non living forging certain energies which bring about birth, death and various experiences of life. It believes in the existence of soul characterised by consciousness and knowledge. The soul is permanent in its self but its relationship with the body begins and ends. Jainism teaches that soul is perfect, happy and all powerful but it is in bondage to matter. which it should be released. The Jains have formulated a system of thought called anekantavada or syadvada. It strongly believes in Karma theory. The ethical code of Jainism is called panchanuvrata. This includes ahimsa, satya, astheya, brahmacharya and aparigraha. These will give an individual the spiritual knowledge of self denial, self control and renunciation. It preaches that one should conquer Karmas and relinquish worldly consequences.

     Panchaparameshtis the 5 kind of persons worshipped by the Jains represent the ideal in life at the different stages of realisation. Metaphysics form the important portion of Jaina sacred literature. The most important teaching of Jainism is moksha marga (path to salvation) - right faith (samyak darshana), right knowledge (samyak jnana) and right conduct (samyak charitra). These are regarded as ratnatraya. Jainism is also designated as Niggantha Dhamma. It lays great stress upon the attitude of equality. Which is found in the expression of non violence. All the Jaina religious rites were formulated around non violence. Its supreme importance and wide application observed in Jainism in not found in any other school.

     Jainism has survived through the ages by maintaining harmony among different religious faiths and tried to avoid religious conflicts it has tried to solve the problems of mankind combating mental tension, violence and the conflicts existing between different ideologies and faiths. It can simple be defined as religion of conduct or faith. The Jaina religion claims to be universal religion propagating the message of peace and knowledge.             

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