Samrat Samprati

On the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Samrat Samprati Museum in Koba, Gandhinagar.

The museum serves as a dedicated space to preserve Jain history and honour the legacy of Samrat Samprati, the grandson of Ashoka, who played a role in the spread of Jainism analogous to Ashoka’s role in the global propagation of Buddhism.

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Who was Samrat Samprati?

About

He was the fifth emperor of the Mauryan Empire, reigning from approximately 224 to 215 BCE.

He was the grandson of Emperor Ashoka and the son of Kunala.

Following Ashoka’s death in 232 BCE, historical records suggest that the Mauryan Empire was divided between his grandsons, Dasharatha and Samprati.

Religious Affiliation

The Mauryan dynasty witnessed diverse religious affiliations:

Chandragupta Maurya – Jainism

Ashoka – Buddhism

Dasharatha – Ajivika


Samprati is regarded as a central figure in the Shvetambara Jain tradition.

He is often referred to as the “Jain Ashoka” for his role in the global propagation of Jainism.

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How did Samrat Samprati Contribute to the Spread of Jainism?

Temple Construction and Iconography

• Samprati established a strong “ritual culture” of temple worship, giving Jainism a permanent physical presence across the subcontinent.
• Traditional Jain texts credit him with:
  • Building 125,000 new temples (derasars)
    
  • Renovating 36,000 existing temples
• Many ancient Jain temples in Western India without donor inscriptions are traditionally attributed to his reign.
• He is also believed to have commissioned and consecrated over 12.5 million idols of Tirthankaras made of stone and metal.

Missionary Expeditions

• Samprati systematically sent missionaries to spread the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) beyond the Mauryan heartland.
  
• Historical narratives suggest:
  • He sent Mauryan soldiers disguised as Jain monks into unconquered or tribal regions.
    
  • Emissaries were sent to regions such as Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), and parts of Central Asia.
• He played a key role in establishing Jainism in: Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Saurashtra (Gujarat), Rajputana (Rajasthan).

State Patronage and Ethical Governance

• Ruling from major centers like Ujjain and Pataliputra, Samprati ensured royal patronage for Jain institutions.
  
• He aligned governance with the Jain principle of Karuna (compassion).
  
• He established approximately 700 Sada-vratas (charitable houses):
  • Provided free food, shelter, and medical care
    
  • Served poor, travellers, and ascetics

Monastic Logistics

• Samprati ensured that Jain monks had safe travel routes and received ritually pure food
• This support system facilitated long-distance missionary movements across the empire.

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Major Sects of Jainism

Shvetambara Sect (“White-Clad”):

• Predominant in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
  
• Monks and nuns wear white clothes.
  
• Key Beliefs:
  • Liberation depends on inner detachment, not external appearance
    
  • Accept Agamas as authentic teachings of Mahavira
  • Women can attain moksha
• Sub-sects:
  • Murtipujaka
  • Sthanakavasi
  • Terapanthi

Digambara Sect (“Sky-Clad”):

• Predominant in Karnataka and parts of Central India.
• Monks practice complete renunciation (no clothing).
  
• Key Beliefs:
  • Original Jain Agamas were lost
  • Depend on texts by later Acharyas
  • Women cannot attain moksha directly
• Sub-sects:
  • Bisapantha
  • Terapantha
  • Taranapantha (Samaiyapantha)

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