Kevali (plural: kevalīs) refers to a person who has attained kevala jnana—the pure, omniscient knowledge described in Jainism. A kevali has awakened to the soul’s true nature and can perceive all beings, past, present, and future, without obstruction.

Key points:

• Kevala jnana is the highest, all-encompassing knowledge in Jainism.
• Those who have this complete insight are called kevalis.
• In Jain cosmology, kevala jnana is typically associated with the attainment of omniscience by arihants and especially the Tirthankaras. After obtaining kevala jnana, a kevali may proceed toward liberation (moksha).

Note on tradition:

• Both Digambara and Śvetāmbara traditions uphold the idea of kevala jnana and kevalis, though they may differ in emphasis about particular figures or how the path unfolds in different tirthankaras and arihants. The essential meaning remains the same: a kevali is a soul that has realized complete, unobstructed knowledge.