Difference between arihat and arhat
Answer
If you meant
“arihant” and
“arhat,” there is usually
no doctrinal difference in Jainism. Both terms refer to the same exalted soul who has destroyed the four ghati karmas and attained keval-jnan; Jain sources also use
Arhat as another name for
Arihant. (
jaina.org)
Explanation
The difference is mainly
linguistic:
- Arihant is the form most commonly used in Jain prayers and Jain explanations.
- Arhat is the Sanskrit form/variant found in some texts.
- Arhant is also seen as a spelling variant in Jain literature. So the meaning is essentially the same, not a different spiritual category. ( jaina.org)
Spiritual Understanding
In Jain Dharma, an
Arihant/Arhat is a living, omniscient being who has removed the karmas that cover the soul’s true nature. After nirvana, that soul is called a
Siddha. This is why Arihant is so highly revered in the Namokar Mantra. (
jaina.org)
Takeaway
So, in simple words:
Arihant = Arhat in Jain usage. The difference is mostly
spelling and language, not meaning. (
jaina.org)