In simple words, the difference comes from the overall difference between Shwetambar and Digambar traditions – that same difference naturally appears in their pratimā / mūrti (idol) also.

Main points:

1. Vastra (clothing) of the idol

- Shwetambar: Tirthankar murtis are usually shown with simple cloth / ornaments (at least it looks like they are clothed). This matches their view that monks may wear white clothes and still be fully renounced. - Digambar: Tirthankar murtis are completely nude (dig‑ambar = sky‑clad) – no clothes, no ornaments. This shows total aparigraha (non‑possession) and is linked with their rule that a true muni leaves even clothes.

1. Drishti (eyes) and style

- Shwetambar: Idols often have painted / glass / open looking eyes, sometimes a softer, decorated look. - Digambar: Idols usually have unpainted, calm, inward‑looking eyes, very plain and very shānta (peaceful), no external decoration.

1. Ritual style around the murti

- Shwetambar: More use of vastra, mukut, ornaments, flags, chandan designs, etc. on or around the pratima. - Digambar: Keep the idol itself completely bare; only anjan‑shānti, abhiṣek, chandan, etc. on the body – but no clothing put on the idol.

1. Background reason

- Both accept the same Tirthankars, same moksha‑marg, same basic Jain principles. - But after Mahavir Bhagwan, due to historical separation, different ācāryas and different reading of āgams, two traditions formed. - Their monk‑lifestyle became different (white‑clad vs sky‑clad), so temple pratima also started showing that same ideal.

So, the bhāva (inner feeling) behind both pratimā is same – darshan of the Vitrag Bhagwan and progress on the path of samyak darshan–jnan–charitra – but the outer roop (form) follows each sect’s understanding of ideal renunciation.

For a simple overview of Shwetambar–Digambar differences, you can read more here