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Meaning of Arihant
Arihant means “the one who has destroyed inner enemies.” In Jainism, it refers to a soul that has overcome passions like anger, attachment, pride, and greed and has attained kevala jnana (infinite right knowledge). An Arihant is a fully enlightened soul still living in the worldly body; after completing the spiritual journey they become a siddha (liberated soul) at moksha.
Key points:
- Etymology: ari = enemy; hant = destroyer. So an Arihant is one who has destroyed inner enemies.
- What is realized: kevala jnana (omniscience) and complete self-control over karmic afflictions.
- Status: not yet liberated; still in the cycle of birth and death as a perfected but embodied soul. The liberated form is called siddha.
- Tirthankaras are the most renowned Arihants; all Kevalins are Arihants, but not every Arihant is yet a siddha.
Tradition note:
- Both Digambar and Shwetambar traditions use the term Arihant with the same core meaning, though they may describe related statuses (like kevala jnana) with tradition-specific nuances.
