Answer

Yes, within Saitwal Jain community tradition, it is commonly said that Saitwal Jains took up arms again in certain historical circumstances to protect Jain munis, Jain temples, and Jain dharma.

However, this should be understood carefully: Jain Dharma itself teaches ahimsa as the highest principle. So such accounts are generally remembered as acts of protection in difficult times, not as a change in Jain spiritual ideals.

Explanation

The Saitwal Jain community is traditionally associated with regions of Maharashtra and nearby areas. In community history, Saitwals are often described as having connections with Kshatriya or warrior backgrounds before fully adopting a more religious and mercantile Jain way of life.

According to community memory, during periods when Jain temples, monks, or society were under threat, some Saitwal Jains are believed to have taken defensive roles. This is why the idea exists that they “again became warriors” for the protection of Jain munis and temples.

But exact historical details can vary, and not every such account is documented in the same way across all Jain traditions.

Spiritual Understanding

From the Jain point of view:

• Ahimsa remains supreme and is never abandoned as an ideal.
• Protecting monks, temples, scriptures, and dharma has been considered a sacred responsibility of the Jain sangh.
• Householders have different duties from monks, but they are still expected to minimize violence as much as possible.

So, if Saitwal Jains are remembered as protectors, that memory should be understood as part of community history, not as encouragement of violence.

Takeaway

It is true that Saitwal Jain tradition preserves such accounts, but Jain Dharma’s core teaching remains unchanged: ahimsa, restraint, protection of dharma, and reverence for munis and temples.