Who came first sthanakvasi or deravasi ?
Answer
Deravasi tradition came first.
In Jain history, the temple-worshipping tradition, commonly called Deravasi or Murtipujak, existed before the Sthanakvasi tradition.
Explanation
- Deravasi / Murtipujak Jains worship Tirthankar images in temples and perform rituals such as puja, darshan, and aarti.
- Sthanakvasi Jains do not worship images or idols. They emphasize meditation, samayik, pratikraman, scriptural study, and inner purification.
The Sthanakvasi tradition developed later within the Shvetambar Jain community as a reform movement. It is generally associated with the non-image-worship movement that became prominent after the time of Lonka Shah, and later developed into the Sthanakvasi sect.
Spiritual Understanding
Both traditions aim for the same Jain spiritual goal: purification of the soul through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct. Their practices differ, but both honor the teachings of the Tirthankars.
Takeaway
Historically, Deravasi / Murtipujak tradition is older, while Sthanakvasi tradition arose later as a non-idol-worship Jain tradition.