Shvetambi, Śvetambī: 1 definition
Introduction:
Shvetambi means something in Jainism, Prakrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
The Sanskrit term Śvetambī can be transliterated into English as Svetambi or Shvetambi, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Source: archive.org: TrisastisalakapurusacaritraŚvetambī (श्वेतम्बी) is the name of a city associated with Ketaka, which refers to one of the 25½ countries of the Kṣetrāryas, situated in the “middle world” (madhyaloka), according to chapter 2.3 [ajitanātha-caritra] of Hemacandra’s 11th century Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacaritra: an ancient Sanskrit epic poem narrating the history and legends of sixty-three illustrious persons in Jainism.
Accordingly:—“In these 35 zones on this side of Mānuṣottara and in the Antaradvīpas, men arise by birth; [...]. From the division into Āryas and Mlecchas they are two-fold. The Āryas have sub-divisions [e.g., kṣetra (country)]. [...] The kṣetrāryas are born in the 15 Karmabhumis. Here in Bharata they have 25½ places of origin (e.g., ½ of the Ketaka), distinguishable by cities (e.g., Śvetambī) in which the birth of Tīrthakṛts, Cakrabhṛts, Kṛṣṇas, and Balas takes place”.
Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Shvetambika.
Full-text: Ketaka.
Relevant text
Search found 1 books and stories containing Shvetambi, Śvetambī, Svetambi; (plurals include: Shvetambis, Śvetambīs, Svetambis). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra (by Helen M. Johnson)
Part 9: Various unimportant incarnations < [Chapter I - Previous births of Mahāvīra]
Part 29: The people in the Manuṣyaloka < [Chapter III - The initiation and omniscience of Ajita]