According to tradition, who is considered to be the first Jain nun ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:

The first Jain nun, according to Svetambara tradition, is universally accepted to be **Chandana** (also known as Chandrabala). She was a contemporary of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, and was the first woman to receive initiation and be appointed as the head of the female monastic order (the *pravartini*) established by Mahavira himself. Her acceptance into the monastic life highlights the importance given to women's spiritual emancipation within Jainism from its very beginning. Historically, Chandana’s initiation symbolized the formal establishment of the fourfold Jain community (*Chaturvidha Sangha*): monks, nuns (headed by Chandana), laymen, and laywomen. This foundational role makes her a crucial figure in Jain history.

The incorrect option is 2 (Sujata): Sujata is a prominent figure in Buddhist tradition, not Jainism. She is the woman who offered the Buddha rice milk just before his enlightenment, often credited with helping him recover from severe asceticism.

The incorrect option is 3 (Trishla): Trishla (or Priyakarini) was the mother of Mahavira. While she is a deeply revered figure in Jainism, especially by the Svetambara tradition, she was a devout laywoman and queen, not a nun (sadhvi).

The incorrect option is 4 (Khema): Khema was one of the two chief women disciples of the Buddha, known for her great wisdom, along with Uppalavanna. She is a foundational figure in the Buddhist *Bhikkhuni Sangha* (order of nuns), and is not associated with the Jain tradition.