Jain monasticism Jain monasticism Jain monasticism refers to the order of monks and nuns in the Jain community. The term "nirgrantha" ("bondless") was used for Jain monks in the past. The monastic practices of two major sects ("Digambara" and "Śvētāmbara") vary greatly, but the major principles of both are identical. "Digambaras" use the word "" for male monastics and "aryika" for female monastics. "Digambara monks" are also called "nirgrantha" (without bonds). "Śvētāmbaras" use the word "sadhvi"s for female monastics. Historians believe that a united Jain "sangha" (community) existed before 367 BCE, about 160 years after the "moksha" (liberation) of Mahavira. The community
Digambara Samiyar Sattanathan Pillai. One night Digambara Samiyar passes by at Alangaram house. He overheard the judge and Alangaram in conversation and their cruel intention. On his way Vadivambal was attacked by robbers. Digambara Samiyar passes by and saves her and gets to know about Vadivambal's forceful wedding arrangement with Sattanathan's brother Masilamani. While they reached Mannargudi, they were attacked by Masilamani and Namachivaayam Pillai. However Kannapa passes by and rescues Vadivambal and Digambara Samiyar. Both Kannapa (P. V. Narasimha Bharathi) and Vadivambal fall in love at first sight. Velayudha Pillai and Kannapa greet Digambara Samiyar into their house. Velayudha Pillai had