Digambara vs Śvetāmbara The Great Jain Divide Explained Episode 8

Mahāvīra Biography Series | Dr. Pankaj Jain The Mahāvīra Biography Series explores the life, philosophy, and civilisational impact of Bhagavān Mahāvīra, the 24th Tīrthaṅkara of the Jain tradition and one of the greatest spiritual revolutionaries of India. Through research-grounded storytelling and historical depth, this documentary series situates Mahāvīra within the broader framework of Dharma — a living civilisational ethos shaping ethics, pluralism, and spiritual traditions across India for over 2,500 years. In Episode 8, we explore:• The historical origins of the Digambara–Śvetāmbara division • Differences in monastic practices and interpretations of renunciation • Debates over scripture, canon, and authenticity • The role of geography, migration, and councils in shaping sectarian identities • Philosophical continuities despite institutional divergenceThis episode reveals how the division within Jain Dharma was not merely a split, but a complex historical process shaped by memory, migration, and interpretation. While Digambara and Śvetāmbara traditions developed distinct practices and textual traditions, both continued to uphold the core teachings of Mahāvīra — Ahimsa, Aparigraha, and the pursuit of liberation. By examining this divergence with nuance and scholarly clarity, Episode 8 highlights how plurality itself has been an enduring feature of Dharma traditions in India. About the Presenter: Dr. Pankaj Jain is Director of The India Centre and Professor & Head of Humanities & Languages at FLAME University. Author of Jainism: From Bhagwan Mahavira to Mahatma Gandhi (2025), he is a Fulbright-Nehru Fellow and internationally recognised scholar of Dharma traditions, sustainability, and Indian intellectual history.

You can listen to Digambara vs Śvetāmbara The Great Jain Divide Explained Episode 8 online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Digambara vs Śvetāmbara The Great Jain Divide Explained Episode 8 is an episode from Discover India Podcast by Professor Pankaj Jain, Ph.D. by Prof Pankaj Jain.

This episode is 00:05:52 long.

This episode was published on Apr 26, 2026.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from Discover India Podcast by Professor Pankaj Jain, Ph.D. when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.