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Was hinduism and Jainism a single religion once?
From the Jain viewpoint, no – Hinduism and Jainism were not “one religion” in the past.
A simple way to understand it:
- Separate dharmas, same land
Both arose in ancient India and shared the same culture, languages, regions, and even some festivals and symbols. So from outside they can look similar. But Jain Acharyas always describe Jain Dharma as its own, independent path, not as a part or phase of Hinduism. ( jainknowledge.com)
- Different foundations
- Jainism does not accept: - Vedas as authority - A creator God who makes or controls the universe - Hinduism is generally Veda-based and usually accepts some form of Ishwar / Brahman (supreme God). ( jainknowledge.com)
- Different spiritual focus
- Jainism: - Universe is beginningless and not created by any god. - Every soul can become a Siddha by its own effort (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct). - Worship is mainly of Tirthankars as perfect souls, not as creators or boon‑givers. ( jainknowledge.com) - Hinduism: - Many forms of God and goddess worship. - Liberation often understood as union with or realization of God/Brahman.
- Why people feel they were “one”
- Jains and Hindus lived together for thousands of years. - Families, festivals (like Diwali), and temple styles sometimes overlap. - In society and in law, sometimes Jainism is grouped under “Indian religions” with Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, etc. This can create the impression that Jainism is a branch of Hinduism or that both were once a single religion, but Jain tradition does not say this. ( jainknowledge.com)
- Jain stance in short
- Jainism is anādi (beginningless) and independent. - It has its own Tirthankars, scriptures, vows, philosophy, and moksha‑path. - It is not considered a part, branch, or earlier form of Hinduism or “Sanatan Dharma” in Jain teachings. ( jainknowledge.com)
You can read a clear explanation of how Jainism differs from Hinduism here and also this related discussion:
