Nirjara Nirjara Nirjara is one of the seven fundamental principles, or Tattva in Jain philosophy, and refers to the shedding or removal of accumulated karmas from the atma (soul), essential for breaking free from samsara, the cycle of birth-death and rebirth, by achieving moksha, liberation. Literally meaning "falling off", the concept is described first in chapter 9 of the classical Jain text, Tattvartha Sutra (True nature of Reality) written by Acharya Umasvati, in 2nd century CE, the only text authoritative in both Svetambara and Digambara sects of Jainism. Later it also finds mention in Dravyasamgraha (Compendium of substances), a 10th-century Jain
Digambara "Bispanthi" also worship "Yaksha" and "Yakshini" like Bhairava and Kshetrapala. Their religious practices include "aarti" and offerings of flowers, fruits and "prasad". "Bhattarakas" are their "dharma-gurus" and they are concentrated in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharastra and South India. According to "Digambara" texts, after attaining "Kevala Jnana" (omniscience), "arihant" (omniscient beings) are free from human needs like hunger, thirst, and sleep. In contrast, Śvētāmbara texts preach that it is not so. According to the "Digambara" tradition, a soul can attain "moksha" (liberation) only from the male body with complete nudity being a necessity. While, Śvētāmbaras believe that women can attain liberation from