Jain mythology comes to us from manuscripts that are 1,500 years old. Yet, they speak of an ancient time 84,000 years ago.

Over steaming sambar sauce, rice cakes and sweet crumbly Sooji Halwa we spoke about Jain religious symbols, vegetarian food practices and the differences between Digambar and Svetambar priests.

The most recognized Jain symbol is a raised hand with, on it, a dharmachakra (wheel of dharma), and within the dharmachakra, the word ‘ahimsa.’ Even eating honey is seen as violence to the ...

Along with this inscription, several stones with Jain symbols are also found on the wall.” The inscription is said to be four-sided and belongs to either the Rashtrakuta or Kalyani Chalukya period.