Jain Congregation (Sangh)
The Jain religion is one of the
oldest religions in the world. The Jain religion was also known as Shraman
Dharma, Nirgranth Dharma, etc. It is not an offshoot of any other religion but
is an independent religion recognized by these various names during different
time periods. It was has been taught by Tirthankaras also called Jina. A
follower of a Jina is called a Jain and the religion followed by Jains is
called Jainism. Each Tirthankara revitalizes the Jain order. The Jain Order is
known as the Jain Sangh. The
current Jain Sangh was reestablished by Lord Mahävira, who was the 24th
and last Tirthankar of the current time period. The Jain Sangh is composed of
the following four groups:
1) Sädhus (Monks)
2) Sädhvis (Nuns)
3) Shrävaks (Male householders)
4) Shrävikäs (Female
householders)
