Answer

It would not be accurate or fair to say that “Shwetambars stole” Digambar Jain temples as a general statement.

Within Jain history, there have been some disputes between Shwetambar and Digambar communities over temple ownership, idols, rituals, and management. But these situations were usually connected to local history, legal control, community presence, patronage, or differences in worship practices—not something that should be described as one entire Jain tradition “stealing” from another.

Explanation

Shwetambar and Digambar are both ancient Jain traditions. Both revere:

• The 24 Tirthankars
• Ahimsa
• Karma theory
• Moksha
• Right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct

Their differences include temple rituals, idol form, scriptures, monastic practices, and historical traditions.

In some places, disputes happened because:

• A temple may have been built by one community but later maintained by another.
• Local Jain population changed over time.
• Political or royal patronage shifted temple control.
• Temple idols or rituals were interpreted differently by each sect.
• Legal ownership records were unclear or disputed.

So, some cases may have involved conflict, but it is not right to blame all Shwetambars or all Digambars.

Spiritual Understanding

From the Jain Dharma point of view, using harsh words, anger, sectarian hatred, or collective blame creates inner violence — bhav himsa.

Jain Dharma teaches:

• Anekantvad — try to understand many sides of truth.
• Ahimsa — avoid harm in speech, thought, and action.
• Kshama — forgiveness and humility.
• Samyaktva — right faith free from hatred and ego.

Temples are sacred places for devotion to Tirthankars. They should not become a cause of hatred between Jains.

Takeaway

There may have been historical disputes between Shwetambar and Digambar communities regarding some temples, but it is not correct to say that Shwetambars as a whole “stole” or “converted” Digambar temples. A Jain should examine each case carefully, truthfully, and peacefully, without hatred toward any Jain tradition.