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Jainism is one of the
most ancient religions of India. Jainisim existed in a simillar form as today in the 6th century B.C. A Jain, as the
followers of the religion call themselves, are those, who have
obtained perfect knowledge and absolute freedom from the bondage of
karma.
Though the Jains
(followers of the jain religion) do not worship any transcendental
God and are supposed to be atheistic, they have constructed
magnificent temples and have evolved a complex set of rituals.
According to Jainism,purifying the soul through meditation and asceticism, trying to put
an end to all misery and attaining the highest liberation or nirvana
is the aim of all human existence. This goal has been attained by
the Tirthankaras. To mediate this in front of this Being and his qualities
and to advance on the path of purification of the Soul and the attainment of Nirvana,Jains visit their temples where idols of the tirthkarnas are installed. Jains do not worship the Tirthkarnas(Gods) to seek their grace of material prosperity.
Their temples are administered by
foundations consisting of members known for their patronizing
religious activity.
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