Answer

Sthanakvasi is a Jain tradition within the Śvetāmbara sect of Jain Dharma.

Sthanakvasi Jains do not worship idols. Instead, they emphasize:

• Meditation
• Samayik
• Pratikraman
• Scriptural study
• Simple living
• Inner purity and self-discipline

The word Sthanakvasi means “those who worship or practice in a sthanak,” where sthanak means a simple prayer hall or place of religious practice.

Explanation

In Jain Dharma, Sthanakvasi Jains follow the teachings of the Tirthankars but do not perform temple idol worship. Their prayer halls are usually simple and do not contain images or murtis.

They give great importance to:

• Ahimsa — non-violence
• Satya — truthfulness
• Aparigraha — non-possessiveness
• Tapasya — austerity
• Dhyan — meditation

Sthanakvasi monks and nuns are also known for strict discipline and simple conduct.

Spiritual Understanding

The Sthanakvasi tradition teaches that true worship is mainly internal. According to this view, the soul progresses through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, not through external rituals alone.

Takeaway

Sthanakvasi is a non-idol-worshipping Śvetāmbara Jain tradition that focuses on inner spiritual practice, simplicity, discipline, and purification of the soul.