What is the difference between sthanakwasi and mandir margi
Sthanakwasi and Mandir-margi (also called Deravasi or Murtipujak) – both are Śvetāmbara Jains. The basic Jain principles are the same; the main differences are in way of worship and external practice.
1. Main idea of worship
- Mandir-margi (Deravasi / Murtipujak)
- Sthanakwasi
2. Place of worship
- Mandir-margi – go to temples with idols, do dravya-pūjā (jal, pushp, dhoop, etc.).
- Sthanakwasi – gather in sthanak (simple prayer hall, without idols).
3. Saints (sadhus–sadhvis)
- Mandir-margi saints
- Sthanakwasi saints
4. Scriptures and practices
- Both follow Śvetāmbara Agams and the Jain path of samyak darshan–jnan–charitra.
- Sthanakwasi traditionally accept a more limited set of Agams and avoid some temple-related rituals and yatra.
- Mandir-margi accept temple pilgrimage, idol abhishek, aarti, etc. as helpful for bhakti and concentration.
5. What is common
- Both: