Answer

In Jain tradition, Pratikraman is understood as an ancient spiritual practice taught by the Tirthankars, especially as part of the discipline of monks, nuns, and lay followers.

It is not traditionally attributed to one ordinary historical person as its “founder.” Rather, it belongs to the Jain path of self-purification taught by the Jinas.

Explanation

The word Pratikraman means “returning back” or “turning away” from faults. Spiritually, it means:

• Recognizing mistakes committed through mind, speech, and body
• Repenting for them sincerely
• Asking forgiveness
• Resolving not to repeat them
• Returning toward the path of right conduct

In Jain Dharma, confession, repentance, self-review, and forgiveness are essential parts of spiritual discipline. These practices are found in the traditional Jain monastic and lay conduct.

Who started it?

According to Jain tradition:

• The principles behind Pratikraman were taught by the Tirthankars.
• In the present time-cycle, they are especially connected with the teachings of Lord Mahavir Swami, the 24th Tirthankar.
• The structured forms of Pratikraman used today were preserved and transmitted through the Jain ascetic tradition by Acharyas and monks over time.

So, it is more accurate to say that Pratikraman was taught within the Jain tradition by the Tirthankars and preserved by the Jain Sangh, rather than saying that one specific individual “invented” it.

Spiritual Understanding

Pratikraman is important because Jain Dharma gives great importance to awareness of one’s own faults. A person may commit violence, falsehood, attachment, anger, ego, deceit, or greed knowingly or unknowingly. Pratikraman helps the soul turn back from such impurities.

It is a practice of:

• Alochana – honest confession of faults
• Pratikraman – turning back from wrong actions
• Pratyakhyan – making a resolve to avoid them in the future
• Kshamapana – asking forgiveness

Takeaway

Pratikraman did not begin as a modern ritual created by one person. It is an ancient Jain practice of self-purification taught by the Tirthankars, especially preserved in the tradition of Lord Mahavir’s teachings, and continued by the Jain Sangh for spiritual progress.