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  • swetambaram sub sects
  • author Posted by
    Jain Follower

    swetambaram sub sects

    11 months ago 60

    Śvetāmbara Jainism has three main sub-sects:

    • Murtipujaka (Mandir-mārgi, also called Derāvāsī)
    - They worship images (murtis) in temples and follow temple-based rituals. This is the largest Śvetāmbara sub-sect.
    • Sthānakavāsī
    - They oppose idol worship and temple rituals, meeting in simple halls called sthānakās rather than temples.
    • Terāpanthī
    - Founded by Acharya Bhikṣu, this reform branch also emphasizes non-idol worship and follows a system with a single Acharya at a time for spiritual guidance.

    Notes:

    • These sub-sects share Śvetāmbara scriptures and core beliefs but differ mainly in practice, especially regarding image worship and temples.
    • Digambaras are a separate major tradition; within Śvetāmbara, the key distinctions above are the traditional divisions.

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