Answer

In the Śvetāmbara Jain paramparā, there is no single universally accepted fixed number of Gacchas followed by all traditions today.

However, traditionally, many Śvetāmbara Mūrtipūjak lineages refer to 84 Gacchas as a conventional/traditional count.

Some well-known Śvetāmbara Gacchas include:

• Kharatara Gaccha
• Tapa Gaccha
• Añcala Gaccha
• Pippala Gaccha
• Nagendra Gaccha
• Chandra Gaccha
• Vṛddha Gaccha
• Agamika Gaccha
• Upakeśa Gaccha

Explanation

A Gaccha means a monastic lineage or group within the Jain sadhu-sadhvi tradition. In Śvetāmbara Jainism, especially among the Mūrtipūjak tradition, different Gacchas developed over time under different ācāryas and teachers.

The number 84 Gacchas is often mentioned traditionally, but:

• Not all 84 are active today.
• Different historical lists may vary.
• Some Gacchas merged, declined, or became regionally limited.
• Today, Tapa Gaccha and Kharatara Gaccha are among the most well-known.

Spiritual Understanding

The purpose of a Gaccha is not merely organizational. It exists to preserve:

• Right faith
• Right knowledge
• Right conduct
• Discipline of sadhu-sadhvi life
• Scriptural learning and practice

In Jain Dharma, the true importance is not pride in a lineage, but following the path shown by the Tirthankars through ahimsa, samyag darshan, self-discipline, and liberation-oriented conduct.

Takeaway

Traditionally, Śvetāmbara Jainism refers to 84 Gacchas, but only some are widely known or active today. The most prominent include Tapa Gaccha and Kharatara Gaccha.