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  • Adinath and shiva same?
  • author Posted by
    Jain Follower

    Adinath and shiva same?

    6 months ago 190

    No, Adinath and Shiva are not the same in Jain Dharma.

    Very simple:

    • Adinath / Rishabhdev
    - First Tirthankar of Jainism. - A Siddha–Arihant: liberated soul who showed the path of moksha. - Not creator, not destroyer, not a “god in charge” of the universe. - His symbol (lanchhan) is the bull and he is always shown as a silent, meditating Tirthankar (no trishul, damaru, snake, moon, etc.). ( jainknowledge.com)
    • Shiva (Mahadev)
    - A deity from Hindu tradition. - Connected with creation–destruction ideas in that tradition. - This type of creator–destroyer god concept does not exist in Jain philosophy.

    Why people get confused

    • Both are sometimes called “Adinath” (first lord) in different traditions.
    • Both are linked with a bull in pictures:
    - For Adinath, bull is his Jain lanchhan. - For Shiva, bull (Nandi) is his vehicle.
    • Some art shows both with matted hair, sitting posture etc., so from outside they may look similar. But in Jain view, they are completely different beings and concepts. ( jainknowledge.com)

    Common Jain position (both Digambar & Shvetambar)

    • Adinath = Rishabhdev = First Tirthankar of Jainism.
    • He is not Shiva, not Vishnu avatar, and not any Hindu god’s incarnation. ( jainknowledge.com)

    You can read a clear Jain explanation here

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