Jain flag meaning
Jain flag (Jain Dhwaj) is very simple but very deep in meaning.
Today the commonly accepted Jain flag has five horizontal colours:
- White (top)
- Represents Arihant - Symbol of: shuddhata (purity), complete non‑violence, perfect knowledge.
- Red
- Represents Siddha (liberated souls) - Symbol of: total freedom from karma, highest spiritual state.
- Yellow
- Represents Āchārya - Symbol of: discipline, right conduct, spiritual leadership of the Jain Sangh.
- Blue (or sometimes dark green)
- Represents Upādhyāya - Symbol of: scriptural knowledge, teaching, study of Agams.
- Black (or dark colour, at bottom)
- Represents Sādhu / Sādhvī - Symbol of: renunciation, detachment from comforts, tolerance of hardship on the path of moksha.
Together, these five colours show Panch Parmeshthi – the five supreme beings we bow to in Namokar Mantra. So, the Jain flag is really a visual form of Namokar Mantra.
Extra meanings usually explained
- The five colours also remind us of:
- The flag is not political or national.
Digambar & Shwetambar
- Both Digambar and Shwetambar accept these five colours and their connection to Panch Parmeshthi.
- Small variations:
You can read a related explanation about colours and Panch Parmeshthi here