In Jainism, the term "Purva" refers to ancient Jain scriptures that are considered to be extremely vast and profound. There were originally 14 Purvas, which formed a part of the Drstivada, itself one of the 12 Angas (canonical texts). The knowledge of these 14 Purvas was considered the highest level of scriptural wisdom.

14 Purvis and Sadhus: Sadhus (monks) who had complete knowledge of these 14 Purvas were regarded with the utmost respect and were considered to be among the most learned ascetics. They were called "Chaturdasapurvin," meaning those who possess the knowledge of all fourteen Purvas.

The Fourteen Purvas are:

1. Utpād Purva
2. Agrāyaniya Purva
3. Vīryānuvāda Purva
4. Astināstika Purva
5. Jñānapravāda Purva
6. Satya Purva
7. Atma-pravada Purva
8. Karmaprakrti Purva
9. Pratyākhyāna Purva
10. Vidyānuvāda Purva
11. Kalyānavāda Purva
12. Prāṇā Pravad Purva
13. Kriya Visala Purva
14. Lokbindusāra Purva

Chaturdasapurvin Sadhus:

• These sadhus were rare, especially after the time of Bhadrabahu Swami, the last known Acharya to have complete knowledge of the 14 Purvas.
• The knowledge of the Purvas gradually diminished, and currently, the texts themselves are considered lost in both the Digambara and Śvetāmbara traditions.
• In Jain history, those who mastered the 14 Purvas were considered to be at the pinnacle of scholarship and spiritual practice.

Significance:

• The knowledge of the 14 Purvas was believed to bestow deep scriptural insight, enabling a sadhu to guide others on the path to liberation.
• Remembering and teaching the Purvas was a mark of a highly advanced spiritual teacher.

In summary, "14 Purvi Sadhus" refers to Jain monks who had mastered the knowledge of the 14 Purvas, representing the highest level of scriptural scholarship in ancient Jain tradition.