Answer

Śvetāmbara, often spelled “Swetamber,” refers to one of the two main traditions of Jainism. The word means “white-clothed ones,” because Śvetāmbara monks and nuns traditionally wear white clothing.

Explanation

Śvetāmbara Jains follow the teachings of Lord Mahavira and share the core Jain beliefs of:

• non-violence
• truth
• non-stealing
• celibacy
• non-possessiveness

They differ from the Digambara tradition in some practices and interpretations, such as:

• Clothing: Śvetāmbara ascetics wear white clothes, while Digambara monks remain unclothed.
• Scriptures: Śvetāmbara tradition preserves a large scriptural canon.
• Idol worship and rituals: Their forms of पूजा and temple practices may differ in some details.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, both Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions aim for the same goal: liberation of the soul. The difference is mainly in external discipline and tradition, not in the fundamental Jain purpose of purification, self-control, and moksha.

Takeaway

“Swetamber” means Śvetāmbara Jain — a Jain tradition whose ascetics wear white clothes and follow the path of Jain liberation through non-violence, self-discipline, and purity.