In Jainism, an important story involving brothers fighting against each other is the tale of Bharata and Bahubali. Both were sons of the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhanatha (Adinath). After Rishabhanatha renounced his kingdom, he divided his vast empire among his sons. Bharata became an emperor and sought to become a Chakravarti (universal monarch). To achieve this, he needed to assert his supremacy over his brothers, including Bahubali.

A confrontation occurred between Bharata and Bahubali, leading to a symbolic contest rather than a violent war to avoid unnecessary violence. The contests included staring, water-fighting (jal-yuddha), and wrestling (malla-yuddha). Bahubali defeated Bharata but, realizing the futility of worldly pursuits, renounced his kingdom and sought spiritual liberation.

This story teaches the Jain values of forgiveness, non-violence (ahimsa), renunciation, and the ultimate victory of spiritual over material conquest.