Naths and Jains

 My understanding is as follows:

A

1.Vardhman Mahavira was the founder of Jainism. 2.Jainism came into limelight as it was patronised by emperors at some point in time in history. 3. Having patronised, resources available, researched further by mystics or munis of contemporary to trace it past to Adi Nath. 4. They differed themselves, in philosophy, lineage, rituals and ended up in various sects/panths.

The founders of various Shramanic religions are atheists (nasthiks) and demostrated the philosophies they devised to implement for better lifestyles- they never advocated idol worship.

B

History says there were 6, shramanic religions, based on Philosophy and contemporaneous ascetics of Mahavira.

Some scholars include 84 Siddhas from Nath Tradition, (which includes 18 Tamil Siddhas) and making it 90. But the difference between Naths and the founders are: some Naths worshipped Shiv, some Sakthi, some Murugan. After Buddhism and Jainism came into existance, some created the left hand sects within Buddhism and Jainism

C

In six who are contemporaneous to Vardhman Mahavira are:

1.Buddha is a mystic who taught as void.(Buddhism)

2.Mahavir is a mystic chemist who taught as restraint. (Jainism)

3.Makkali Gosala is a mystic alchemist(metallurgist ) who taught as fatalism.(Ajivika)

4.Purana Kassappa is an ascetic who taught as non action(Akiriyavada)

5.Ajita Kesakamabali is an ascetic who advised as to live happily (Charvaka)

6.Sanjaya Belathiputta taught as suspension of judgement (Ajnana)

There were several mystics (over 84 Maha Siddhas) in our holy land before and after Buddha, Mahavira, Gosalas, Kassappas, Ajita and Sanjayas. These mystics contributed much in philosophy, medicine, metullergy and performed miracles.

Some worshipped Shiv, some Sakthi, some Murugan.After Buddhism and Jainism, some created the left hand sects within Buddhism and Jainism.

Naths linkage with Jainism was created later by Munis belonging to various panths.

D

Tirumala Tirupati is well researched and literary evidences are available since 3rd century BC.

Tirupati is famous, not only due to any religious reason, because it played a significant role in the history of Southern India, formation of Vijayanagara Empire to counter islamic invasions and its emperors coronated at Tirupati, giving a VIP status.

Being a Sri Vaishnavite temple, and a Divyadesam, it is Kuldev of many commanders in 600 year ruled empire and its feudatories.

E

If you want to understand, how Shramanic religions embraced rituals- the best example is Buddhism practiced in Sri Lanka or in general Mahayana Buddhism.(I will provide a link later) It is the fusion of (Murugan Worship/ Kaumaram or Sakthism of Shringeri) with Buddhism after 15th century.

In fact, these Shramanic religions, stormed and become popular to get rid of rituals by Brahmins (Kshatriya Domination) and mantras by Sanskrit (Prakrit Pali is sacred) but later embraced the same rituals of Brahmanism by successor mystics.

F

You may appreciate, as a learned person, religion (and politics are interrelated) is nothing to do with spirituality.

Anyone will become enlightened, if he sincerely follows the doctrine laid down by his Bhagwan with devotion.

G

Michami Dukkadam.