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Tirtha (Jainism)

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This article is about the Jainism term. For other uses, see Tirtha (disambiguation).

In Jainism, a tīrtha (Sanskrit: तीर्थ "ford, a shallow part of a body of water that may be easily crossed") is a passage across samsara first blazed by a Tirthankara. The word is used to refer to Jain pilgrimage sites, and to the four sections of the sangha. A tirtha provides the inspiration to enable one to cross over from worldly engagement to the side of moksha.[1]

Vimal Vasahi Adishwar Temple, one of the Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu.
Chaumukha Temple, Ranakpur

Jain tirthas are located throughout India. Often a tirtha has a number of temples as well as residences (dharmashala) for the pilgrims and wandering monks and scholars.

Etymology and Definition

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The term tīrtha (Sanskrit: तीर्थ) is derived from the verbal root tṛ, meaning "to cross over". In the context of Jainism, it refers to a "ford" or a "crossing place" that enables the soul to cross the ocean of Saṃsāra (the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth) and attain Moksha (liberation).[2]

Doctrinal Meanings

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In Jain doctrine, the term tīrtha has a dual application, referring both to the religious community and to sacred geography.[3]

1. The Community (Saṅgha): In its primary canonical sense, a tīrtha refers to the four-fold religious order (Chaturvidha Saṅgha) established by a tirthankara.[4] This community consists of four categories of devotees:[4]

According to Jain philosophy, the establishment of this social order creates the metaphorical "ford" through which followers can cross the cycle of rebirth.[4]

2. The physical place (Kṣetra): In common usage, tīrtha refers to specific physical locations—temples, mountains, or cities—that are sanctified by their association with the tirthankaras or other enlightened ascetics.[5] These sites are viewed as energetic focal points that facilitate spiritual progress.

Distinction from Other Traditions

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Scholars note a distinct theological difference between the Jain concept of tīrtha and that found in other Indian traditions, particularly Hinduism. According to sociologist Vilas Sangave, while the Hindu concept of tirtha often involves visiting sacred rivers or locations to "dispel demerit" or wash away sins, Jain theology rejects the notion that physical objects or rivers can cleanse moral impurities.[6]

Instead, a Jain tīrtha is defined strictly by its soteriological function. It is intended to serve as a site for Ātma-jāgṛti (self-awakening or self-enlightenment).[6] The physical site acts as a catalyst for the pilgrim, inspiring them to cultivate the virtues of the tirthankaras and to engage in austerity (tapas) and meditation, which ultimately leads to the shedding of karma (nirjarā).[6]

Theology of Pilgrimage (Yātrā)

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In Jain theology, the act of pilgrimage (yātrā) is not merely a devotional journey but a structured religious activity with specific soteriological (salvation-oriented) goals. Scholars identify two distinct but overlapping motivations for undertaking a pilgrimage: the ascetic goal of shedding karma (nirjarā) and the lay goal of acquiring merit (puṇya).

Types

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Tirtha sites include:[7][8]

Locations

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Geographically, the tirthas are divided into six quarters:[9]

Pilgrimage sites are owned either by the Digambara sect or the Śvetāmbara sect. Some of the major Śvetāmbara pilgrimage sites include: -

See also

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References

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Citations

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  1. ^ Special features of sacred places of Jains Archived 2009-04-13 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ Dundas 2002, p. 23.
  3. ^ Dundas 2002, p. 12.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Jaini 1998, p. 35.
  5. ^ Cort 2001a.
  6. ^ a b c Sangave 1980, p. 270.
  7. ^ Jainism: A Pictorial Guide to the Religion of Non-Violence, Kurt Titze, Motilal Banarsidass; 2nd edition (March 5, 2001)
  8. ^ a b c Sangave 1980, pp. 271–272.
  9. ^ Bharat ke Digambar Jain Tirth, Volume 1, Balbhadra Jain, 1974

Sources

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  • Cort, John E. (2001a), Jains in the World : Religious Values and Ideology in India, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0-19-513234-2
  • Cort, John E. (2001b), White, David Gordon (ed.), Tantra in Practice, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-81-208-1778-4
  • Dundas, Paul (2002) [1992], The Jains (Second ed.), London and New York: Routledge, ISBN 978-0-415-26605-5
  • Jaini, Padmanabh S. (1998) [1979], The Jain Path of Purification, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-81-208-1578-0
  • Sangave, Vilas Adinath (1980), Jain Community: A Social Survey (2nd ed.), Bombay: Popular Prakashan, ISBN 978-0-317-12346-3
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