Answer

In Jain Dharma, Kevalgnan, Moksh, and Nirvana are closely connected, but they are not exactly the same.

• Kevalgnan means perfect and complete knowledge.
• Moksh means complete liberation of the soul from all karma.
• Nirvana means final release from the body and worldly existence, after which the soul attains Moksh.

Explanation

1. Kevalgnan
Kevalgnan is the state in which the soul destroys the knowledge-obscuring karmas and attains infinite knowledge and infinite perception.

A soul with Kevalgnan is called a Kevali.

However, after attaining Kevalgnan, the soul may still remain embodied for some time. For example, a Tirthankar attains Kevalgnan and then teaches Dharma while still living in the body.

2. Nirvana
Nirvana refers to the moment when the enlightened soul leaves the body forever. At this point, the remaining karmas are completely destroyed.

For Tirthankars, Nirvana is the final event of their earthly life. For example, Bhagwan Mahavir attained Nirvana at Pavapuri.

3. Moksh
Moksh is the final liberated state of the soul. After Nirvana, the soul rises to the top of the universe, called Siddhashila, and remains there forever as a Siddha.

In Moksh, there is:

• No birth
• No death
• No body
• No suffering
• No karma
• Infinite knowledge
• Infinite perception
• Infinite bliss
• Infinite energy

Simple Difference

• Kevalgnan = The soul becomes all-knowing while still embodied.
• Nirvana = The soul leaves the body forever and destroys remaining karmas.
• Moksh = The soul reaches the final liberated state as a Siddha.

Spiritual Understanding

Kevalgnan is the highest knowledge. Nirvana is the final departure from worldly existence. Moksh is the eternal liberated condition of the soul.

So, the journey can be understood as:

Right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct → destruction of karmas → Kevalgnan → Nirvana → Moksh

Takeaway

Kevalgnan is enlightenment, Nirvana is final release from the body, and Moksh is eternal liberation.