How much time between keval gnan and moksha?
In Jainism, the time between attaining Keval Gnan (omniscience, or absolute knowledge) and moksha (liberation) is variable, depending on the individual and cosmic cycle. However, according to Jain scriptures and tradition:
- Once a soul attains Keval Gnan, it becomes an Arihant—a perfectly enlightened being, but still embodied.
- The Arihant remains in the world until the end of that lifetime. Upon the shedding of all remaining karmas (particularly the last four non-destructive karmas), the soul achieves moksha at the moment of death.
- The interval between Keval Gnan and moksha can range from a very short time (even a few seconds) to many years, depending on the lifespan remaining for that soul.
Examples:
- Lord Mahavira attained Keval Gnan at the age of 42 and attained moksha at 72, meaning he lived for 30 years as a Kevali.
- Lord Parshvanath lived for 66 days after attaining Keval Gnan.
- Some Kevalis, as per Jain texts, attained moksha immediately after attaining Keval Gnan.
In summary: There is no fixed duration; the time between Keval Gnan and moksha depends on the individual's remaining lifespan, which can vary from moments to many years.