Why is it in the news?

• Recently, three 11th-century Jain sculptures were unearthed in Varuna village, Mysuru district, during drainage work.

More about the news

• Out of the three sculptures, one is severely damaged beyond recognition, while the other two are in relatively good condition.
• One of the sculptures depicts a Jain Tirthankara, but the exact identity is challenging to determine due to the absence of any distinguishing symbols.
• The discovered sculptures have been relocated to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) museum at the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalay in Madhya Pradesh.

About Jain Tirthankaras

• In Jainism, a Tirthankara serves as a spiritual teacher and a guide on the righteous path (dharma).
• Tirthankaras are regarded as supreme preachers of dharma, having successfully conquered the cycle of death and rebirth (samsara) themselves, leading the way for others to follow.
• Upon attaining kevala jnana (omniscience) by realizing the true nature of the self or soul, a Tirthankara achieves spiritual enlightenment.
• The Jain tradition recognizes a total of 24 Tirthankaras who significantly contributed to the development of the Jain religion.
• The first Tirthankara is Rishabhanatha, while the 24th and final Tirthankara is Lord Mahavira.