The Swastika is the holiest and the most important Jain symbol. It is an equilateral cross with its arms bent at right angles, in either left-facing or right-facing forms. The term is derived from Sanskrit `svasti`, meaning well being. It is a widely used sacred symbol in Dharmic religions (Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism). Hindus often decorate the swastika with a dot in each quadrant.

The other major symbols are: the 24 Lanchhanas for the Tirthankaras, the Ashthamangals, the Triratna and Shrivasta, A Tirthankar`s or Chakravarti`s mother dreams and Dharmacakra and Siddha-chakra.

The Triratna or The Three Jewels, also rendered as Three Treasures, Three Refuges or Triple Gem are the three things that Buddhists give themselves to, and in return look toward for guidance, in the process known as taking refuge. Shrivatsa is an ancient auspicious symbol in India. In Jainism, it often marks the chest of the Tirthankara statue. It is one of the ashtamangala.

Chakravarty, literally meaning "turner of the wheel" is a term used for a successful conqueror or imperial ruler of all or most of the subcontinent of India, both in legend and in history.

Dharmacakra or the "Wheel of Dharma" is an auspicious symbol representing a dharma (law) in Hinduism and the Buddha`s teaching of the path to enlightenment. It is also sometimes translated as wheel of doctrine or wheel of law.

Siddha-chakra is one of the Jain yantras. It is circular with 5+4 = 9 petals, one of which is marked with representation of a siddha, a liberated soul.

Every day most Jains bow and say their universal prayer, the Namokar Mantra, a prayer where the Jains do not pray to a specific Tirthankara or monk by name. By saluting them, Jains believe they receive the inspiration from the five benevolent for the right path of true happiness and total freedom from the misery of life. Jains have built temples, or Basadi, where images of Tirthankaras are venerated. Jain rituals may be elaborate because symbolic objects are offered and Tirthankaras praised in song. Jains salute the virtues of the Pancha Parmeshti, or five benevolents: The Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and normal monks.

The Digambar and Shvetambar sects
It is believed that the Jains were divided after the nirvana of the great Maharvira, into two major sects: Digambar and Shvetambar. In Sanskrit, ambar [pronounced as `umber`] means a covering like a garment. `Dig`, an older form of `disha`, means the North, east, south and west directions. Digambar, therefore means, those whose garment is only the four directions. `Shwet` means white and shwetambars are those who wear white coverings.