Introduction
Hinduism and Jainism are two ancient religions that originated in India. There are a few differences and similarities between the two religions. Gods, temples, rituals and various other components of Hinduism are different from those of Jainism.
Often many scholars consider that the Jain religion is older than Hinduism. This is because the concepts of Hinduism were later constructs of the colonisers.
You can also find differences between articles on various topics that you need to know. Just tap on the quick link available and get to know the basic differences between them.
What is the Difference Between Hinduism and Jainism?
About Hinduism
Hinduism is an Indian religion, also known as dharma or way of life. It is the third-largest and one of the oldest religions in the world, and it has 1.25 billion followers. Many practitioners of religion believe that its origin lies beyond human history.
Hinduism involves a range of philosophies linked to recognisable rituals, shared concepts, pilgrimage to sacred sites, cosmology and shared textual resources discussing in detail philosophy, theology, mythology, yoga, Vedic yajna, agamic rituals and temple building among other topics.
About Jainism
Jainism is the religion that was founded in ancient India. In Jainism, a Tirthankara is the spiritual leader or saviour of the dharma. Jains trace their history down the twenty-four Tirthankara and found Rishabhanatha as their first Tirthankara.
The Jain dharma principle premises are non-violence, non-attachment, many-sidedness, and abstinence from any sensual pleasures. The Jains take five vows – truth, non-violence, not-stealing, non-possessiveness, and sexual continence. These principles affect the religion’s culture in several ways – such as leading a predominantly vegetarian lifestyle.
Difference Between Hinduism and Jainism
|
Area Of Differentiation |
Hinduism |
Jainism |
| Believe regarding origin of the Universe. | Hinduism believes that the Universe was created by Brahma – the creator. | Jainism believes that the Universe is itself powerful and eternal. It does not believe God Brahma created the Universe as it cannot be created since it is eternal. |
| Believe in non-violence | Believes in non-violence. However, Mahabharata and Ramayana have shown that violence can be practised where necessary. | Does not violence. Strongly believes in non-violence. |
| Division | Hinduism has various classes and castes. | Jainism has no divisions done based on class or caste. |
| Diet | There are people following a strict vegetarian diet; also, there are people who consume non-vegetarian diets. | Jains are restricted from having a non-vegetarian diet, including eggs. |
Similarities of Hinduism and Jainism
- Both Hinduism and Jainism have originated in India; hence, both the religions share similarities in their culture, languages and traditions.
- Both religions talk about the concepts of karma and reincarnation. Maybe they have different theories, but the base is the same.
- Both religions believe in the worships of statues.
- Both religions talk about vegetarianism and meditation. Many Hindu scriptures promote vegetarianism; however, in Jainism, eating vegetarian food is mandatory.
- Hindu Vedic Puranas have the description of the first Tirthankara of Jainism, Lord Rishabhdev. And Jainism texts have the description of Lord Rama. Both the religions have their versions of the great epics Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Frequently Asked Questions on Difference Between Hinduism and Jainism
Question
Does Jainism accept the religious books of Hinduism?
Answer:
No, Vedas and the other religious books of Hinduism are not accepted by Jainism. Jainism has its scriptures – Sutras and Agamas.
Question
Which gods are worshipped in Hinduism?
Answer:
Many gods are worshipped in Hinduism. The most prominent are Lord Shiva, Parvati, Ganapathi, Vishnu, Brahma, Lakshmi, Hanuman, Saraswati etc.
Question:
Do religions have any similar celebrations?
Answer:
Yes, followers of both the regions – Hinduism and Jainism – celebrate the festivals like Diwali.