Bhadrabahu

Bhadrabahu (c. 4th century BCE) was an ancient Jain acharya traditionally regarded as the last omniscient (kevali) teacher of Jainism.

Background

Bhadrabahu was born in the lineage of Jain teachers and is believed to have lived during the same period as Chandragupta Maurya, the Maurya emperor. According to Jain tradition, he led a group of monks south to Karnataka during a great famine in Magadha, while Sthulabhadra remained in the north with a separate community.

Spiritual Contribution

Bhadrabahu is credited with the final redaction of the Jain Agamas (canonical texts). He is said to have foreseen the decline of Jainism in Magadha and took steps to preserve the teachings. His southward migration led to the establishment of the Digambara tradition in South India.

Legacy and Impact

His split with Sthulabadbahu is traditionally cited as the origin of the Digambara-Shvetambara schism in Jainism. The Jain community at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka traces its founding to monks who accompanied Bhadrabahu south.

Verification Notes

• Approximate dates debated among scholars
• Associated with the Maurya period (c. 322–185 BCE)