Answer

Yes — in Jain Dharma, kissing before marriage would generally come under kuśīla / abrahmacharya, even if there is love, pure intention, and a wish to marry.

And no — it is not correct to say that it affects only Mohanīya karma and cannot affect Jñānāvaraṇīya karma in any case.

Explanation

In Jain ethics, the issue is not only whether the intention is loving or serious. The main point is whether the action increases:

• attachment
• sensual desire
• emotional dependence
• passion or craving
• loss of inner restraint

For householders, complete celibacy is not required unless one has taken that vow, but sexual or romantic physical intimacy outside marriage is traditionally considered a lapse in brahmacharya-vrata.

Even if both people love each other and intend marriage, Jain Dharma still encourages restraint until marriage because attachment can quietly grow stronger.

About Jñānāvaraṇīya Karma

It is safest to understand it this way:

• Mohanīya karma is most directly connected because it involves attachment, desire, delusion, and passion.
• But karmas are not always isolated in such a simple way.
• Passionate actions can support bondage of other karmas too, depending on intensity of desire, attachment, carelessness, and inner state.

So we should not say: “It will never affect Jñānāvaraṇīya karma.” Jain karma theory is more subtle than that.

Spiritual Understanding

If your love is sincere and marriage is the intention, Jain Dharma would guide you to protect that love with:

• maryādā — proper boundaries
• saṃyama — self-restraint
• śuddha bhāva — purity of intention
• respect for both families and future marriage

True love in Jain understanding should help both souls rise spiritually, not increase attachment or restlessness.

Takeaway

So the clear Jain answer is:

• Yes, kissing before marriage generally comes under kuśīla / abrahmacharya.
• No, you should not assume it affects only Mohanīya karma and never Jñānāvaraṇīya karma.
• The safer Jain path is to wait until marriage and keep the relationship spiritually pure.