Question

why were the followers of mahavira are called jains

Answer 1

Hello buddy..
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Jains use a beautiful word Jina for their tirthankars which literally means conquerer but not of the worldly things. It refers to conquering the inner self. So, those who follow the path of Jinas are known Jains. The word Jain has itself originated from the word Jina.

So being a Tirthankara, his followers also came to be known as Jains.

Hope it helps you buddy..