Answer

In the Mūrtipūjaka Śvetāmbara tradition, the main gacchas are not separate religions. They are monastic lineages within the same Jain tradition. Their core beliefs are the same, but they differ in:

• Lineage of ācāryas
• Monastic discipline
• Temple and pūjā customs
• Use of scriptures and liturgical style
• Local historical traditions

So the differences are mostly practical and historical, not doctrinal.

Explanation

The exact list of the “four gacchas” can vary a little by source and region, but the commonly discussed Mūrtipūjaka Śvetāmbara gacchas are centered around these major traditions:

• Tapagaccha
• Kharataragaccha
• Aañchalagaccha
• Another smaller historical gaccha depending on regional classification

Because of this, it is best to understand the “four gacchas” as different monastic streams, not as groups with different Jain philosophy.

What is common in all of them

All of them generally accept:

• The authority of the Tīrthaṅkaras
• The Jain path of right faith, right knowledge, right conduct
• Mūrti-pūjā in the Śvetāmbara tradition
• The ideals of ahiṃsā, aparigraha, and tapas

Main differences

1. Lineage

- Each gaccha traces its own succession of monks and ācāryas.

1. Strictness of discipline

- Some gacchas are seen as more strict about monastic rules and travel discipline. - Some are more flexible in local administrative practice.

1. Ritual style

- Differences may appear in: - temple procedure - pūjā order - recitation traditions - festival observances

1. Institutional identity

- Some gacchas have a larger and more widespread presence. - Some are smaller and more regionally centered.

Very broad traditional understanding

• Tapagaccha: Known for strong emphasis on tapas and disciplined monastic life.
• Kharataragaccha: Known for a strict and orthodox monastic tradition.
• Aañchalagaccha: A smaller historical lineage with its own customs.
• The fourth historical gaccha: Usually understood as another smaller lineage whose differences are mainly in lineage and ritual practice, not in core Jain doctrine.

Spiritual Understanding

From a Jain point of view, the most important thing is not sect pride, but:

• samyak darśan,
• samyak jñāna,
• samyak cāritra.

Gacchas help preserve discipline and tradition, but mokṣa depends on right conduct and inner purification. So the higher spiritual view is to respect all authentic Jain lineages while focusing on आत्म-शुद्धि, non-violence, and detachment.

Takeaway

The four gacchas differ mainly in history, monastic lineage, and ritual style. Their core Jain philosophy is the same. In Jain Dharma, the deeper goal is always liberation through ahiṃsā, tapas, and pure conduct.