Jain Origins and Key Organisations in the UK

• The majority of Jains can trace their historical and ethnic origins back to the Gujarat area of India.

• Jains of both the principal traditions (see A Short Introduction to Jainism) within Jainism are found in the UK.

• There are two main traditions within Jainism, the Shvetambara (meaning ‘white‑robed’) and the Digambara (meaning ‘sky‑clad’, in other words, naked).  These names reflect differences among Jain mendicants.

• The majority of Jains in the UK are Shvetambara, but the Digambara have the Shree Digambar Jain Association as a national organisation.

• The Jain Centre, the only purpose‑built Jain Temple catering for all the major traditions outside of India, is built in Leicester.

• Some Jain groupings relate specifically to particular social groupings within the community such as the National Council of Vanik Organisations (UK), representing Vaniks.

• Many individual UK Jains and Jain organisations identify with either Jain Samaj Europe or the Institute of Jainology. There is also, in formation, a Federation of Jain Organisations in the UK.

Written by Professor Paul Weller