Jainism in Nagaland



Nagaland, a state in north eastern India has had a long association with Jainism. Today the state has two Jain temples  and has become home to hundreds of Jain families living prosperously and peacefully.

History
The first Jain temple in Nagaland was established in Kohima. The temple was established in 1920 by 8 Sethi families, who were the first non naga settlors in Nagaland, prominent among them being Hardev Sethi, Hiralal Sethi, Phulchand Sethi, Jethmal Sethi, Devalal Sethi. These families then moved to Dimapur in 1944 due to Japanese invasion during World War II. These families established the Jain temple in Dimapur in 1947.

Dimapur Jain Temple
Dimapur Jain Temple was built in 1947. The temple is architecturally very well built and has an impressive structure. The temple has some intricate glass work. The temple is considered very auspicious by the people of Dimapur. The Moolnayak of the temple is Lord Mahavira. Dimapur is the business center of Nagaland today and most of the Jain families are settled in Dimapur.

Kohima Jain Temple
The first Jain temple in Nagaland was established in Kohima. The temple was established in 1920

Community
Jains constitute only about 0.1% of the total population of Nagaland yet they control a chunk of the businesses in Nagaland. The Dimapur Jain community actively participates in various social causes. They also regularly organize free health camps, relief camps. The Dimapur Jain community runs the SD Jain Charitable Hospital, SD Jain High School and SD Jain Girls' college. The SD Jain Hospital and the SD Jain School and Jain Bhavan were established as a result of the untiring efforts of Shri Phulchand Sethi, Shri Phulchand Binaykia, Shri Mangilal Chhabra, Shri Jethmal Sethi, Shri Kanhaiyalal Sethi, Shri Madan Lal Sethi and other Sethi and Chhabra families of Dimapur.

Major centers
Major Jain centers include:
 * Shree Digambar Jain Temple Dimapur
 * Jain Temple Kohima

Population
According to 2011 census, the population of Jains in Nagaland is 2,093, which is approximately 0.1% of the total population.

Eminent Personalities

 * Late Phulchand Sethi
 * Late Jethmal Sethi
 * Late Champalal Sethi
 * Late Kanhaiyalal Sethi
 * Late Mangilal Chabra
 * Late Subhkaran Sethi
 * Late Ramchandra Sethi
 * Binod Sethi