The Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Sadhumargi Sangh is an important sect within the Shwetambar branch of Jainism. Here’s a brief history and explanation based strictly on Jain traditions:

Origins

• Shwetambar Jainism is one of the two main sects of Jainism, the other being Digambar. Within Shwetambar, there are several sub-sects, including Murtipujak, Sthanakvasi, and Terapanthi.
• The Sthanakvasi sect emerged in the 17th century as a reformist movement within Shwetambar Jainism. The word "Sthanak" means "place," referring to halls or simple meeting places for worship, as opposed to temples.
• The founder of the Sthanakvasi movement was Lonkashah (circa 15th century), whose teachings were later propagated by Acharya Bhikshu in the 18th century. They emphasized a return to early Jain principles, especially non-idolatry and strict adherence to the original Agamas (Jain scriptures).

Sadhumargi Sangh

• The Sadhumargi Sangh is a monastic order or organization of ascetics (sadhus and sadhvis) who follow the Sthanakvasi ideologies.
• "Sadhumargi" literally means "followers of the path of sadhus (ascetics)," highlighting the focus on the ascetic way of life as taught by the Tirthankaras and early Jain scriptures.

Key Features

1. Non-Idolatry: Sthanakvasi Jains do not worship idols or images of the Tirthankaras. Instead, they worship through meditation, prayer, and spiritual discourse.
2. Simple Worship Halls: They assemble in "sthanaks," which are simple, undecorated halls, rather than ornate temples.
3. Scriptural Focus: Emphasis is placed on the study and practice of the Jain Agamas and ethical conduct, following ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), and aparigraha (non-possession).
4. Ascetic Discipline: Sadhumargi monks and nuns follow strict ascetic practices, including wearing simple white clothes (as opposed to being naked, which is the practice of Digambar ascetics), and they avoid using any form of personal property beyond the essentials.

Influence and Spread

• The Sthanakvasi movement led to the formation of various sub-sects and sanghs, including the Sadhumargi Sangh.
• The Sangh has played a significant role in propagating Jain values, ethics, and non-idolatrous practices, especially in western India (Gujarat, Rajasthan, and parts of Maharashtra).

Modern Context

• The Sthanakvasi Sadhumargi Sangh continues to be an active and respected part of the Jain community, with ascetics traveling to guide laypeople, conduct discourses, and promote the core values of Jainism.

In summary: The Shwetambar Sthanak Sadhumargi Sangh is a Jain monastic order that emerged from reformist movements within Shwetambar Jainism, advocating non-idolatrous worship, scriptural purity, and strict asceticism, tracing its roots to the teachings of Lonkashah and Acharya Bhikshu.