Jainism is an Independent Religion

Jainism is an ancient religion that pre-dates Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Jain Tirthankar, who lived in the sixth century BCE. 

Western history shows evidence that the 23rd Tirthankar Lord Parshvanath lived in the ninth century BCE. According to Jainagamas (Jain scriptures), there are 22 other Tirthankars that preceded both Lord Parshvanath and Lord Mahavir. Jains believe that our religion has no single founder, but that it has always existed and will continue to exist though it may occasionally be forgotten. In our present era, the first Tirthankar Lord Rishabhdev restored the Jain faith amongst humanity.

Within South Asia, both Jainism and Hinduism flourished alongside and independently of one another. Both religions share the theories of karma, reincarnation, and salvation. More detailed study, however, demonstrates that there are significant differences in how each religion treats these concepts, amongst other distinctions between the faiths.

For example, Hindus regard karma as an invisible power explaining causality, while Jains believe karma to be a form of matter that binds to our soul as a result of our actions.Whereas Hindus offer worship to many forms of one God, the creator and preserver of the world, Jains do not believe in the concept of an eternal God or a creator of the world.Jains regard the world itself as eternal. 

We offer our respect, and in some cases worship, to the Tirthankars -- great souls who have achieved enlightenment and attained salvation, freeing their souls from the cycle of birth and death and serving as role models for the faith.Additionally, Jain rituals, temples, places of pilgrimage, fasting and festivals differ significantly from those in Hinduism.