The symbol of Jainism, known as the “Jain emblem” or “Jain emblem”, has significant spiritual and symbolic meaning in the Jain community. It consists of several elements, with a central focus on a swastika and three dots arranged in an upward arc above it. The swastika embodies the concept of the four states of existence, emphasizing the cycle of rebirth and the fourfold path to liberation from it. The three dots represent the three jewels of Jainism: right knowledge, right belief, and right conduct. The whole symbol stands for the principles of non-violence, truth, and discipline, which are the basic tenets of Jain philosophy. The symbol of Jainism is a visual representation of the basic principles and spiritual values espoused in Jainism and serves as a reminder of the path to enlightenment and ethical living.
Jain symbol
| Historical Facts | Jain symbol |
| Swastika | Well-being, harmony, and the cycle of life |
| Om | Essence of the universe and spiritual enlightenment |
| Jain Flag | Representation of Ahimsa and respect for life |
| Tirthankara Images | Depicting Jain spiritual teachers and role models |
| Hand with Wheel | Symbolizes the Jain concept of Dharma (duty) |
| Crescent Moon | Symbol of the liberation of the soul |
| Jain Lamp | Symbol of Enlightenment |
| Jain Tree | Symbol of Growth |
| Jain Ascetic meditation | Spiritual Discipline |
| Handshake | Symbol of Peace and Unity |
Introduction
The symbol representing the Jain community was chosen in 1975 as part of the commemoration of the 2500th anniversary of Mahavira’s attainment of nirvana. The stylized hand is in a gesture of benediction, with “ahimsa” written on the palm, which for many is the essence of Jain ethical teachings. A Jain symbol is a collection of various symbols, each with a deeper meaning. This symbol has been adopted by all sects of Jainism to commemorate the 2500th anniversary of Lord Mahavira‘s nirvana. Jain symbols are symbols based on Jain philosophy.
Jain Symbol Outline
The outline of the Jain symbol represents the universe (Lok) as described in the Jain scriptures. This outline is divided into three LOKS (realms). Bottom, middle, and top. Jains believe that this universe was not created by anyone and cannot be destroyed. It may change its form, but otherwise, it has always existed and will continue to exist.
(1) Lower part
Denotes ADHOLOK (hell). Adhlok further consists of seven hells or Narakis.
(2) Middle part
Denotes MADHYALOK (material world). It consists of the Earth and the planets.
(3) Upper part
Denotes URDHAVA LOK (heaven). It contains the heavenly abodes (Devlok) of all celestial beings and above that the abode of the Siddhas (Siddhashila).
Jain Symbol PARASPAROPAGRAHO JIVANAM
The text at the bottom of the Jain symbol is “PARASPAROPAGRAHO JIVANAM”. This is a Prakrit text that means “Live and let live”, that is, all living beings should help each other.
Jain Swastika Symbol
- (1) The four arms of the swastika symbolize the four states of existence according to Jainism: (i) celestial beings (“Devas Encantadia”), (ii) human beings, (iii) infernal beings, (iv) Tiryancha (subhuman flora or fauna). It represents the eternal nature of the universe in the material world where a creature is predestined to one of these states based on his karma. In contrast to this circle of rebirth and delusion is the concept of a direct path, formed by right belief, understanding, and conduct, and symbolized visually by three dots above a running swastika, which leads the individual from a transitory imperfect world to a permanent perfect state of enlightenment and perfection.
- (2) This perfect state of liberation is symbolized by the crescent moon and dot at the top of the swastika. It also represents the four columns of the Jain sangha: sadhus, Sadhvis, sravakas, and shrikes – monks, nuns, and female and male laymen. It also represents the four qualities of the soul: infinite knowledge, infinite perception, infinite happiness, and infinite energy. This symbol was adopted by all on the occasion of 2500 years of completion of Bhagwan Mahavira.
Jain Symbol of Ahimsa
A hand with a wheel on the palm symbolizes Ahimsa in Jainism. The word in the middle is “ahimsa” (non-violence). The wheel represents the dharma chakra, which signifies the determination to stop saṃsāra through the relentless pursuit of Ahimsa.
Symbol of Jainism Three dots above the swastika
The three dots above the swastika represent “Ratnatraya” the three jewels of Jainism: Samyak Darshan (Right Faith), Samyak Jnan (Right Knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct). We should have all three: right knowledge, right belief, and right conduct together to follow the Jain Way of Life (JWOL). By following JWOL we can achieve the ultimate goal of Jainism i.e. liberation.
(1) Samyak Darshan (True Faith)
It means an inclination, attitude, or frame of mind which is free from any predisposition or preconceived notions. an individual, in pursuit of spiritualism, must embrace rational perception and knowledge and then practice ethical behavior.
(2) Samyak Jnana (Right Knowledge)
Right knowledge reveals the true nature of reality. Right knowledge is essential to provide proper guidance to the soul on its path to spiritual upliftment.
(3) Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct)
at the heart of Jain right conduct are five great vows:
(i) Non-violence (Ahimsa)
Not to cause any harm to any living being.
(ii) Truthfulness (Satya)
To speak only harmless truth.
(iii) Non-Stealing (Asteya)
Nothing which is not properly given for acceptance.
(iv) Chastity (Brahmacharya)
Do not indulge in any sense of gratification also.
(v) Non-possessiveness/non-attachment (Aparigraha)
To be completely detached from people, places, and material things.
Jain Symbol Crescent Moon
The crescent moon represents the abode of Siddhas (liberated souls) known as Siddhashila. This region is beyond the three worlds and is the permanent place for the Siddhas.
Symbol of Jainism The dot above the crescent moon
The dot represents Siddha. To reach this stage, the soul must destroy all the attached karmas. Every living being should strive for this state of Salvation or Liberation.
Jain Symbol Om
In Jainism, Om is considered a condensed form of reference to the Panca-parameter by their initials A+A+A+U+M (o3m). The Dravyasamgraha quotes a Prakrit lineage:
oma ekaksara panca-paramesthi-nama-dipam tatkathamiti cheta “arihata asarira ayariya taha uvajjhaya muniya”.
AUM (or just “Om”) is a one-syllable short form of the initials of the five parameshthis
“Arihant, Asharira, Acharya, Upajjhaya, Muni”. The Om/AUM symbol is used in ancient Jain scriptures to represent the Navkar Mantra. The Navkar Mantra honors the panch Parmeshthi (or five supreme beings) in Jainism.
Ashtamangala Jain Symbol
Ashtamangala is a set of eight auspicious symbols. There are some differences between different traditions regarding the eight symbols. –
(1) Digambara Tradition
In Digambara Jainism, there are eight symbols: Parasol, Dhvaja, Kalasha, Flysweep, Mirror, Chair, Hand Fan, and Vessel.
(2) Svetambara Tradition
In Svetambara Jainism, there are eight symbols: Svastika, Srivatsa, Nandavarta, Vardhmanaka (food vessel), Bhadrasana (seat), Kalasha (pot), Darpan (mirror), Pair of fish
Other symbols
Dharmachakra, Shrivatsa, Kalasha, Ashoka Tree, and Nandavarta.
Jain Flag
The five colors of the Jain flag represent the Panca-parameter-nama-dream and the five vows, small and great:
(1) White
White color represents aristocrats, souls who have conquered all passions (anger, attachments, aversion) and attained omniscience and eternal bliss through self-realization. It also denotes peace or Ahimsa (non-violence).
(2) Red
Red color represents Siddha, souls who have attained salvation and truth. It also denotes Satya (truthfulness).
(3) Yellow
The color yellow represents the acharya, the master adepts. Color also means achara (non-stealing).
(4) Green
The color green represents the Upadhyaya (adepts), those who teach the scriptures to the monks. It also means brahmacharya (chastity).
(5) Dark Blue
The color dark blue represents Jain ascetics. It also means aparigraha (non-ownership).
Jain Emblem
In 1974, on the auspicious 2500th anniversary of the Nirvana of the last Jain Tirthankara, Mahavira, the Jain community collectively chose one image as the emblem of Jainism. Since then, this emblem has been used in almost all Jain magazines, wedding cards, Jain festival cards, and magazines with references to events related to the Jain society.
(1) Basic concepts
The Jain character consists of many basic concepts and symbols. The outline of the image represents the universe as described in the Jain Agamas. It consists of three views (realms). The upper part represents heaven, the middle part represents the material world, and the lower part represents hell. The semicircular top part symbolizes Siddhashila, which is the zone beyond the three realms. All siddhas or liberated incorporeal beings/souls reside on it forever, free from the cycle of life and death. The three dots at the top below the semicircle symbolize Ratnatraya – right belief, right knowledge, and right conduct. Every creature in this world can be freed from the cycle of life and death. This gives the message that it is necessary to have Ratnatraya to attain moksha. A swastika symbol is present in the upper part.
The hand symbol at the bottom shows fearlessness and symbolizes the feeling of ahimsa towards all creatures in this world. The circle in the middle of the hand symbolizes saṃsāra and the 24 rays represent the sermons from the 24 tirthankaras that can be used to liberate the soul from the cycle of reincarnation. The meaning of the mantra at the bottom, Parasparopagraho Jivanam, is “All life is connected by mutual support and interdependence.” In short, the Jain emblem represents many important concepts that show the path to enlightenment by following the basic principles of ahimsa, Ratnatraya, and Parasparopagraho Jivanam.
(2) Usage
A sign or symbol must be used consistently in the same format to preserve its value and meaning. Many variations of this symbol are currently in use. However, they do not show all the basic concepts embedded in the current character. For example, JAINA in North America uses a modified version of the standard Jain symbol. It replaces the swastika with the Om because the swastika there is associated with Nazi Germany.
Jain Tirthankara Symbols
Each Tirthankara has its symbol for identification. The symbols are located in the center directly below the statue. This symbol helps us to recognize a particular Tirthankara. The symbols used to denote the 24 Tirthankaras of the present time are given below:
- 1. Adinatha, OX
- 2. Ajitnath, Elephant
- Shambavanatha – Horse
- 4. Abhinandana – Monkey
- 5. Sumathinatha – Bird (Chakwa)
- 6. Padmaprabha – Lotus
- 7. Suparshvanath – Swastika
- 8. Chandraprabha – Moon
- 9. Pushpadanta – Crocodile
- 10. Sheetalnath – Kalpavriksha
- 11. Shreyansnath – Rhinoceros
- 12. Vasupujya – Buffalo
- 13. Vimalanathan – Pig
- 14. Ananthanatha – Porcupine
- 15. Dharmanatha – Vajra (Diamond)
- 16. Shantinatha – Deer
- 17. Kunthunath – Goat
- 18. Aranatha – Fish
- 19. Mallinatha – Kalasha (the holy pitcher)
- 20. Munisuvratnath – Tortoise
- 21. Naminatha – Blue Lotus
- 22. Neminatha – Conch
- 23. Parshwanatha – Serpent
- 24. Mahavira – Lion
Conclusion
The Jain Symbols is a collection of a number of different symbols, each of which has a deeper meaning. Jain Symbols occupy an important position in Jain Philosophy. The Jains highly revere them in their day-to-day life. The most important symbol of the Jains is a Swastika.
(FAQ) Questions and Answers about Jain Symbol
Q-1. What is the Jain symbol?
Ans. The Jain symbol, often referred to as the “Jain emblem,” is a significant emblem in Jainism. It consists of several elements, including a swastika, an outline of an Om, three dots above the Om, and a curved line or crescent.
Q-2. What does the swastika in the Jain symbol represent?
Ans. The swastika is an ancient symbol of well-being and auspiciousness in Jainism. It represents the four states of existence: heavenly beings, human beings, animal and plant life, and hellish beings. It symbolizes the cycle of birth, life, and rebirth, which Jains seek to transcend through spiritual pursuits.
Q-3. What does the Om in the Jain symbol signify?
Ans. The Om symbol is a sacred sound and symbol in Jainism, as well as in many other Indian religions. In the Jain emblem, it represents the essence of the universe and the spiritual path to liberation.
Q-4. What do the three dots above the Om symbolize?
Ans. The three dots above the Om symbol represent the three jewels of Jainism, which are right belief, right knowledge, and right conduct (Samyak Darshan, Samyak Jnana, and Samyak Charitra). These are the core principles of Jain philosophy and ethics.
Q-5. What is the significance of the curved line or crescent in the Jain emblem?
Ans. The curved line or crescent at the top of the Jain symbol represents the Siddha, or liberated souls, in Jainism who have attained ultimate spiritual purity and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
Q-6. Is the Jain symbol the same for all sects of Jainism?
Ans. The basic elements of the Jain symbol are consistent across various sects of Jainism, but there may be variations in how the emblem is depicted or colored. Different Jain sects might have their own variations and interpretations.
Q-7. Is the Jain symbol used in daily religious practices?
Ans. Yes, the Jain symbol is an important part of Jain religious practices and rituals. It is often displayed in Jain temples, on religious texts, and during various Jain ceremonies and festivals.
Q-8. Is the use of the swastika in the Jain symbol related to the Nazi symbol?
Ans. No, the use of the swastika in Jainism predates its association with the Nazi symbol. The Jain swastika has a different meaning and is a symbol of positivity, while the Nazi swastika has a negative connotation due to its association with fascism and hatred.