Sustainable Spiritual Tourism through Jain Ethics: Insights from Pilgrimage Site Management

The three core ethical principles of Jainism are Ahimsa (nonviolence), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), and Anekantavada (pluralism). These values are also responsible for creating peace and sustainability in the tourism industry. This study was conducted to examine how Jain ethical principles can contribute to peaceful and sustainable tourism practices through pilgrimage site management. It is revealed in this study that there is a coexistence of environmental care, faith, and community service within Jain Pilgrimage sites. Various studies have examined Jain ethics and spirituality but limited attention has been given to understanding how Jain ethical principles are operationalised through pilgrimage site management. The contribution of these principles to sustainable tourism governance is also underexplored. A qualitative document-based approach was used to address this gap. In this approach thematic analysis was employed. Three pilgrimage sites of Palitana/Shatrunjaya, Mangi-Tungi, and Kundalpur were examined. It was found that these sites promote vegetarianism, collective hospitality, environmental care, simplicity and also encourage ethical behaviour, environmental responsibility, and community-oriented tourism experiences. Through the findings practical insights for various tourism stakeholders are provided. Tourism planners, pilgrimage site managers, policymakers, and educators who want to integrate these values in sustainable tourism management can use these insights. It is indicated through analysis that religious ethical principles can provide useful guidance for sustainable tourism governance. It can provide guidance beyond Jain pilgrimage contexts. It is concluded in this study that Jain pilgrimage practices offer useful insights into how ethical principles may contribute to peaceful and sustainable forms of spiritual tourism. Keywords Jainism; Sustainable Tourism; Spiritual Tourism; Pilgrimage Sites; Environmental Responsibility; Community-led Hospitality.