Here is a simple Jain-knowledge view of the two:

• Terapanthi (Digambar Terapantha)

- Origin: A reform movement within Digambara Jainism, started in the 17th–18th century in the Ajmer region to tighten discipline and reduce dependence on Bhattarakas. It is best known for a centralized leadership under one Acharya and a distinctive code of conduct (the “thirteen” elements: five Mahavratas, five Samitis, three Guptis). It is often described as non-idolatrous in its strict practice, and emphasizes strict discipline, scriptural study, and internalization over ritual display. The tradition stresses a unified spiritual leadership and a simplified ritual life. You can read more about its structure and aims in Jain Knowledge’s overview of Terapantha and its 13-panti framework. ( jainknowledge.com)

• Kanji Panth (Kanji Swami Panth)

- Origin: A Digambara-subtradition founded by Kanji Swami (late 19th/early 20th century, Songadh, Gujarat). He moved from Sthanakvasi monastic roots toward a Digambara-style framework and emphasized Nishchaya Naya (a higher, discriminative understanding) and the study of Kundakunda’s texts (Samayasara, Pravachanasara, Pancastikayasara) as central guides. It is less centralized than Terapantha, with temples often managed locally, and followers place strong value on swadhyaya (scriptural study) and the pramāna of discriminative knowledge. You can read more about Kanji Panth and Kanji Swami’s influence in Jain Knowledge’s Kanji Swami pages. ( jainknowledge.com)

Key contrasts (in brief)

• Leadership and organization

- Terapanthi: centralized under a single Acharya; strong, uniform code of conduct. - Kanji Panth: looser temple management; followers organized around Kanji Swami’s teachings within a Digambara framework. Source context: Terapantha emphasis on a single-Ācārya system; Kanji Panth emphasizes scriptural approach and Nishchaya Naya. ( jainknowledge.com)

• Philosophy and practice

- Terapanthi: disciplined lifestyle, emphasis on non-ritual, non-idolatrous practice in many centers; focus on the 13 principles (panth) guiding monastic and lay conduct. - Kanji Panth: emphasis on Nishchaya Naya (true/real knowledge), Swadhyaya (scriptural study), and Kundakunda-based texts as core guidance. Source context: 13-panti structure versus emphasis on discriminative knowledge and Samayasara/Pravachanasara. ( jainknowledge.com)

• Worship and temples

- Terapanthi: temple practices vary, but the tradition is known for a distinct, disciplined approach to worship and ritual compared to some other Digambara groups. - Kanji Panth: temples are locally administered; strong emphasis on study and internal understanding rather than outward ritual emphasis. Source context: Terapantha’s disciplined path; Kanji Panth’s text-centered approach. ( jainknowledge.com)

If you want, I can share more about any one point (history, key texts, or daily practices) in simple terms.