Answer

In Jain Dharma, Sthanakvasi is a major sect within the Śvetāmbara Jain tradition.

There are not “types” in the sense of separate religions, but Sthanakvasi Jains may be understood through their traditions, monastic lineages, and regional groups.

Explanation

Sthanakvasi Jains are mainly known for:

• Non-idol worship: They do not perform murti-puja.
• Sthanak: Their place of worship is called a sthanak, which is a simple prayer/meditation hall.
• Focus on inner worship: They emphasize samayik, pratikraman, pravachan, meditation, vows, and self-discipline.
• Śvetāmbara tradition: Their monks and nuns wear white clothing.

Main Sthanakvasi Traditions / Groups

Commonly, Sthanakvasi communities are associated with different gacchas, sampradayas, or guru-paramparas. Some well-known names include:

• Sthanakvasi Jain Sampradaya – the broader non-idol-worship Śvetāmbara tradition.
• Terapanth – also a non-idol-worship Śvetāmbara tradition, though it is generally considered a separate organized sect from Sthanakvasi.
• Different Sthanakvasi guru lineages – based on acharyas, monks, regional sanghs, and historical traditions.

A key clarification: Terapanth and Sthanakvasi are similar in being non-idol-worship Śvetāmbara traditions, but they are not exactly the same sect.

Spiritual Understanding

The Sthanakvasi tradition teaches that true worship is mainly internal:

• Purifying the soul
• Practicing ahimsa
• Controlling passions like anger, ego, deceit, and greed
• Following vows and discipline
• Listening to pravachan and studying Jain teachings

Takeaway

Sthanakvasi is a Śvetāmbara Jain sect that does not practice idol worship and focuses on inner spiritual discipline. Within it, there are different lineages and regional traditions, but all share the same broad emphasis on simplicity, self-control, and soul purification.