Notes And News
By Unexhibited
Summary
The article discusses a violent sectarian clash between Svetambara and Digambara Jains at Sri Kesaria Parsvanath in Udaipur in May 1927, resulting in 5 deaths, 15 serious injuries, and 150 wounds. The author condemns the incident as a betrayal of Jain principles of *ahimsa* (non-violence) and *parmo dharma* (highest duty), attributing the violence to sectarian rivalry and financial interests. Charitable funds are criticized for enabling such conflicts through manipulative leaders and prolonged legal battles. The author calls for unity among Jains to preserve the faith and advocate for its universal values. A separate section questions Lord Mahavira’s omniscience and prophetic knowledge, challenging the historical authenticity of such claims. The piece emphasizes the inevitability of karmic retribution for the perpetrators and urges Jains to cease funding divisive activities and prioritize humanitarian efforts.
Conclusion
The tragic fratricide at Sri Kesaria Parsvanath underscores a profound crisis within Jainism, revealing how sectarianism and self-interest have eclipsed the religion’s core tenets of *ahimsa* and *parmo dharma*. The violent clash between Digambaras and Svetambaras, motivated by petty communal rivalry and financial manipulation, exposes the dangerous erosion of Jaina identity and values. This incident is not merely a tragic anomaly but a symptom of deeper fractures, where the pursuit of power and external validation has overshadowed spiritual integrity. The desecration of sacred spaces and the betrayal of *vatsalya* (fraternal love) signal a moral and existential threat to Jainism’s future. The path forward demands introspection, unity, and a return to the teachings of Mahavira, lest the religion succumb to oblivion and universal ridicule.