Historical and Religious Figures

List of Jain Tirthankaras: Identifying Nathamuni

Nathamuni was a Vaishnava saint, not a Jain Tirthankara. Chandraprabhu, Nemi, and Sambhav are all recognized among the 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism.

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Which one of the following was not a Jain Tirthankara?

[U.P.P.C.S. Special Mains 2004]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


The lineage of Jainism consists of 24 Tirthankaras, whereas other traditions like Vaishnavism have their own lineage of Alvars and Acharyas.

Authentic Source Evidence


Nathamuni was a 10th-century Vaishnava saint and the first of the Sri Vaishnava Acharyas in South India. In contrast, Chandraprabhu (8th), Nemi (22nd), and Sambhav (3rd) are recognized Tirthankaras in the Jain canon.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: Option B is the correct answer to 'not a Tirthankara'. Nathamuni is famous for collecting the Nalayira Divya Prabandham.

  • Logic 2: Chandraprabhu (A), Neminatha (C), and Sambhavanatha (D) all belong to the list of 24 Jain ford-makers.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "What was Nathamuni's major contribution to Vaishnavism?"

    He compiled the 'Nalayira Divya Prabandham', which contains the hymns of the twelve Alvars.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "UPSC frequently tests the ability to distinguish between figures of contemporary but distinct religious movements like the Bhakti movement and early Jainism."

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