Sunday, August 2, 2009

Jain flag

Jain flag

Jain - Five Coloured Flag

The flag of Jainism was first mentioned in a holy text dating 5th century b.c. It has five colours: White, Red, Orange, Green and Dark Blue(or Black).

It is also believed that the complexion of all the 24 Tirthankaras or fordmakers was of either of these 5 colours. For instance Sri Chandraprabha and Sri Pushpadanta were white, SriMunisuvrata and Sri Neminatha were of blue or dark colour, Sri Padmaprabha and SriVasupujya were of the Red colour, Sri Suparshvanath and Sri Parshvanath were green while the remaining were of gold or yellowish colour.

These five colours represent Panch-Parmeshthi (the five most respectable and ideal categories of persons in Jainism).

  • White represents Arihant (souls who have reached the state of non-attachment towards worldly process). It also denotes peace or non-violence
  • Red represents Siddha (Souls which attain Salvation i.e. liberated souls) and also Truth.
  • Orange represents Acharya (Head of Jain Sect)
  • Green represents Upadhyay [those who teach scriptures to sadhus and sadhvis i.e. Religious Professors within sect]. It also signifies abstinence.
  • Dark Blue (or Black) represents Sadhu (Monks & Nuns)and non-possession orAaparigrah

There is the swastika in the centre of the flag. It represents the four states of existence of life. The three dots above the swastika represent the three jewels of Jainism: Samyak Darshan(Right Faith), Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct).

Respect for Jain Flag is respect for Panch-Parmeshthi. According to Jainism, respect for Panch-Parmeshthi destroys the sorrow of the four states of existence and finally guides one to the sweet home of infinite bliss and pleasure.


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