The Influence of Jainism on Gujarati culture
Jainism is a religious minority in India, with 4.2 million followers. Gujarat is one of the three states of India with the highest Jain population. The peace-loving Jains form a sizable and influential part of the population of the state (12%). Their foremost religious vow is ‘ahimsa’ (non-violence) - the simple, but unique weapon that Mahatma Gandhi used against the British in order to gain independence. The people of Gujarat are so courteous that in conversation they add the suffix ‘Bhai’ (brother) or ‘Ben’ (sister) to the name of the person addressed -- hence ‘Jah-bhai’ or ‘Pooja-ben’.
As a result of the Jain religion, Gujaratis are mostly vegetarian as it aligns with the religious vow not to harm any living being. Gujarat has a number of Jain pilgrim centres, including Shatrunjaya near Palitana, one of the holiest. The crest of ‘Shatrunjaya’ hill- ‘the Place of Victory over hatred and worldly things" - has 863 beautifully carved marble temples built over a period of 900 years. There is a constant chanting in the vicinity of the temples which leaves visitors and locals feeling spiritually fed.
I thought it was particularly interested that the Jain religion has had the most influence on Gujarat!
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