Question

Where was the 1st Jain Council held after the death of Mahavira?
A. Vallabhi
B. Junagarh
C. Rajgriha
D. Patliputra

Answer 1

Hint First Jain Council was held in the 3rd Century B.C., under the chairmanship of Sthulabhadra.
It was held in the city which is now known as Patna, the capital of Bihar.

Complete answer:
Jainism is an ancient religion founded in India. Vardhaman Mahavira (539- 467 B.C.) is the founder of Jainism.

The Jain tradition consists of a chain of great teachers or “Tirthankaras”. According to Jain philosophy, all Tirthankaras were born as human beings but they have attained a state of perfection or enlightenment through meditation and self-realization.

There were 24 Tirthankaras and Vardhaman Mahavira was the last Tirthankara of the Jain religion.

 ‘Rishabhanath’ or ‘Rishabhadev’ is believed to be the first Tirthankara.

Teachings of Jainism
Vedic principles were rejected by Mahavira.
He did not believe in God’s existence. According to him, the universe is a result of the natural phenomenon of cause and effect.
He believed in Karma and the process of reincarnation (the passing of the soul into another body after death). According to him, the soul is eternal.
He advocated a life of austerity and non-violence.

> First Jain Council was held at Patliputra (now Patna, Bihar, India) in 3rd Century B.C., under the chairmanship of Sthulabhadra.
> Second Jain council was held at Vallabhi in 512 AD., under the chairmanship of Devardhi Kshamasemana. In this council compilation of Jain literature- ‘Twelve Angas’ was done.
> There are 45 sacred texts of Jainism that are based on the discourse of the Tirthankara, which is called Angas (or agamas).

Option (A) Vallabhi: This option is incorrect. The Second Jain Council was held in Vallabhi (present-day Bhavnagar, Gujarat)

Option (B) Junagarh: The Girnar Jain Temples located on Mount Girnar, are situated in Junagarh district of Gujarat.

Option (C) Rajgriha: It is the birthplace of the 20th Jain Tirthankar, Munisuvrata and a temple dedicated to him is also present here.

Therefore the correct answer is D

Note
There a few important details about Jainism that student should know:
The Jain doctrine is older than the doctrine of Buddhism.
The Jaina conception of ‘time’ divides it into six stages called “Kalas”.
The 22nd Tirthankara ‘Neminatha’ belonged to Gujarat's Saurashtra region.