in jainism there were 2 or 3 councils.. some say it's 3?

Question

In jainism there were 2 or 3 councils.. some say it's 3?

Answer 1

In Jainism, there were traditionally said to be three major councils, or gatherings of religious leaders, that were convened in order to preserve and codify Jain teachings and practices. These councils are:

1. First Council (300 BCE): According to Jain tradition, the first council was convened in Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) around 300 BCE, about 72 years after the nirvana (death) of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. It was presided over by Sthulabhadra, and its primary purpose was to compile and codify the teachings of Mahavira into a cohesive scripture known as the Jain Agamas.

2. Second Council (512 BCE): The second council, also called the "Council of Valabhi," took place around 512 BCE in the town of Vallabhi in Gujarat. It was convened primarily to recompile the Jain scriptures due to fears that they were being altered or lost over time. Under the leadership of Devardhigani Kshamasramana, the scriptures were recompiled and written on palm leaves to ensure their preservation.

3. Some traditions also mention a Third Council, which was supposedly held in the 8th century CE in Mathura. However, details about this council are less clear, and some scholars consider it to be a later addition to Jain tradition.

These councils played a significant role in the preservation and transmission of Jain teachings and scriptures throughout history.