Examining Kshatriyas' Identity and Legacy: Keepers of Dharma

"Vedāvināśhinaṁ nityaṁ ya enam ajam avyayam
Kathaṁ sa puruṣhaḥ pārtha kaṁ ghātayati hanti kam"

Translation in English:

"O Partha, how can a person who knows that the soul is indestructible, eternal, unborn, and immutable, kill anyone or cause anyone to be killed?"

Meaning in Hindi:

"हे पार्थ, जो जानता है कि आत्मा अविनाशी, नित्य, अजन्मा और अविनाशी है, वह किसी को मारता है या किसी को मारवाता है, ऐसा कैसे हो सकता है?"

One of the world’s oldest religions, Jainism, has its roots in ancient India. This non-theistic religion stresses spiritual self-reliance and self-control as well as non-violence to all living beings. The ethical rigor of Jainism and its ascetic practices are often mentioned.

Jainism developed from the 7th to 5th century BCE in the Ganges valley of eastern India and shares a common ancestry with Hinduism and Buddhism reflecting contemporary spiritual and philosophical heterogeneity at that time. The founders of Jainism are called Tirthankaras; among them, Mahavira(599-527 BCE) is the most recent and best known. Mahavira is commonly placed as a contemporary with Buddha, while his teachings form tenets for Jain religious philosophy.

Main Laws:

• Ahimsa (Non-Violence): Ahimsa is the primordial rule in Jain tradition which means harmlessness or non-violence towards anything that breathes whether by thought, speech, or action.
• Anekantvad (Non Absolutism): It preaches that truth and reality are intricate matters that can be seen from various standpoints which will require openness in mind to accommodate different opinions.

Jainism, a time-honore­d belief system, stands out for its focus on pe­ace (ahimsa), personal control, and spiritual growth. Over many ce­nturies, its impacts have reache­d billions globally. This detailed manual covers Jainism's ke­y beliefs, eve­ryday roles for its adherents, and the­ deep-seate­d beliefs and wisdom from this timele­ss religion.

Jainism, its Roots and Journey: Birth: Jainism sprung up in ancie­nt India, sharing birth era with Hinduism and Buddhism. Its last spiritual guide, Lord Mahavira, is considere­d its creator. His life and lessons are­ the foundation of Jainism. Journey through Time: Jainism's growth spans many ce­nturies. Initially rooted in rigorous spiritual rituals, it bloomed into an influe­ntial Indian faith and philosophy. Influential people, te­xts, and monuments have guided its transformative­ journey.

Millions of Sikhs around the world see the turban as a symbol of faith, identity and pride, and this is why it occupies such an important niche in Sikh religion. The significance of the turban in Sikhism is examined comprehensively in this paper to show its rich cultural and religious implications by following its history, symbolism, and changing role in Sikh identity. From when it was traditionalized among Sikhs through to how people perceive it now, it epitomizes the values of equality, bravery and religiousness cherished by these believers.

Historical Origins of the Turban in Sikhism:The tradition of wearing turbans dates back centuries and has deep roots in South Asian culture and tradition. In Sikhism, the significance attached to the turban has historic links to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who was responsible for starting this religion on earth till his successors came along. It served as a practical head cover against extreme elements but also represented royalty, dignity and spiritual power at large.

• Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the Turban: It was Guru Nanak Dev Ji who established a precedent for wearing a turban as an integral part of Sikh identity. He always wore a turban as long as he lived, which became a lesson to his disciples and an indication that Sikhs must have their own distinct appearance. Therefore, a turban is another way of expressing Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings on equality, humbleness and faithfulness to one God.
• Evolution of Turban Styles: The style and design of the turban has varied with time reflecting different regions or cultures as well as an individual preference. Different Sikh communities have developed their own unique styles of turbans each having its own method of tying it, colour combination and significance. Depending on various regions in Punjab, India and other Sikh communities in the world there are different styles of turbans hence showing diversity and richness within Sikh heritage.

न त्वेवाहं जातु नासं न त्वं नेमे जनाधिपाः।
न चैव न भविष्यामः सर्वे वयमतः परम्‌॥

Translation (English):
Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings; nor in the future shall any of us cease to be.

Meaning (Hindi):
कभी नहीं था कि मैं न था, न तू था, न ये सभी राजा थे। और भविष्य में भी हम सबका कोई अंत नहीं होगा॥

भोग नंदीश्वर मंदिर कर्नाटक राज्य के चिक्कबल्लापुर जिले में नंदी पहाड़ियों के आधार पर नंदी गांव में स्थित एक हिंदू मंदिर है।