Answer

Khandelwal Jains are a Jain community traditionally associated with the Khandelwal caste/community, mainly found in Rajasthan and nearby regions of India. Many Khandelwal Jains are followers of Jain Dharma and have historically been connected with trade, business, learning, charity, and temple-building.

Explanation

The name “Khandelwal” is commonly linked with the region of Khandela in Rajasthan. Over time, people from this community became known as Khandelwal.

Within Jain society, Khandelwal Jains are generally considered a social community rather than a separate religious sect. They may belong to different Jain traditions, such as:

• Digambar Jain tradition
• Shvetambar Jain tradition

So, being Khandelwal refers more to community identity, while being Jain refers to religious faith and practice.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, spiritual progress is not based on caste or community identity. It is based on:

• Right Faith
• Right Knowledge
• Right Conduct
• Ahimsa
• Self-discipline
• Detachment

Therefore, Khandelwal Jains, like all Jains, follow the teachings of the Tirthankars and aim toward purification of the soul.

Takeaway

Khandelwal Jains are a Jain social community, especially associated with Rajasthan, but their religious identity is Jain Dharma. In Jainism, true greatness comes from conduct, compassion, restraint, and spiritual effort.