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  • What is the difference between sthanakwasi and mandir margi
  • author Posted by
    Jain Follower

    What is the difference between sthanakwasi and mandir margi

    8 months ago 269

    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)
    - Accept idol worship (mūrti-pūjā) of Tirthankars. - Worship is done in Jain temples (derasar / mandir) with idols.
    • Sthanakwasi
    - Do not worship idols. - Emphasize inner devotion (bhāv-pūjā), meditation, pravachan, pratikraman.

    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
    - Wear white clothes. - Generally do not keep muhapatti constantly (depends on sub-tradition). - Connected with temple rituals, aarti, etc.
    • Sthanakwasi saints
    - Wear simple white clothes only. - Always cover mouth with muhapatti to increase care in ahimsa. - No role in idol rituals, focus on pravachan, meditation, anushthan.

    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:
    - Believe in the 24 Tirthankars. - Accept ahimsa, anekant, aparigraha, karma theory, and moksha as the ultimate goal. - Follow the same basic Jain ethical code; only the method of external worship differs.

    You can read more in a related Q&A here

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