Answer

Sthanakwasi and Derawasi are both Shvetambar Jain traditions, but they differ mainly in worship style and religious practice.

• Derawasi Jains are idol-worshipping Jains. They go to derasars/temples and perform puja, darshan, aarti, and other temple rituals.
• Sthanakwasi Jains do not worship idols. They practice devotion and spiritual discipline in sthanaks or prayer halls, focusing more on meditation, listening to pravachans, chanting, and austerity.

Explanation

What they share

Both traditions believe in:

• Ahimsa as the highest principle
• Karma and the need to purify the soul
• Moksha as liberation
• The 24 Tirthankaras
• Five vows and moral discipline

Main difference

Derawasi

• Worships murtis/icons of Tirthankaras
• Gives importance to temple rituals
• Often emphasizes devotional worship along with study and conduct

Sthanakwasi

• Rejects idol worship
• Focuses on inner devotion
• Gives greater importance to non-ritual spiritual practice, self-discipline, and listening to scripture talks

In simple words

• Derawasi = temple-centered worship
• Sthanakwasi = non-idol, meditation-centered practice

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, the ultimate goal is purification of the soul and freedom from karma. Both traditions aim for that same goal, but they choose different methods:

• Derawasi expresses devotion through temple worship
• Sthanakwasi expresses devotion through inward discipline and non-idol worship

So the difference is mostly in external practice, not in the core Jain values.

Takeaway

The two traditions are different in ritual and worship style, but both follow the Jain path of ahimsa, self-control, and liberation of the soul.