Here are simple, authentic details about the Shwetambar Sthanakvasi tradition:

Who they are

• Sthanakvasi are a non‑idolatrous sub‑sect within Shwetambar Jainism.
• They emphasize internal purity, meditation, vows, and scriptural study over temple‑based idol worship.

Place of worship and daily practice

• Worship spaces are simple halls called sthanak/upashraya—without idols.
• Core daily practices include:

- Samayik (48 minutes of equanimity and meditation) - Pratikraman (repentance and self‑review, regularly and especially during Paryushan) - Paath/svadhyaya (scripture reading and reflection) - Careful speech and conduct (use of muhapatti by many for restraint and ahimsa)

• Lifestyle stresses ahimsa, aparigraha (limiting possessions), and careful diet (e.g., avoiding root vegetables, eating before sunset, filtered/boiled water as per discipline).

Monks and nuns (sadhus‑sadhvis)

• Wear simple white clothing, live with strict vows, travel on foot, and observe chaturmas (rainy‑season stays).
• They teach through pravachan, guide laypeople in avashyaka (essential) practices, and avoid temple ritualism.

Scriptures and teachings

• Follow the Shwetambar Agamic tradition and its ethical disciplines (five mahavratas for ascetics, anuvratas for laypeople).
• Focus is on inner transformation—right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct (samyak darshan‑jnan‑charitra).

Festivals (brief)

• Paryushan is observed for 8 days with fasting, pratikraman, svadhyaya, and kshamapana (seeking forgiveness on Samvatsari). No idol rituals are involved.

- For a simple overview of Sthanakvasi Paryushan and its practices, see: https://jainknowledge.com/question/3837/sathanak-wasi-paryushan - General guidance on Paryushan and fasting rules is here: https://jainknowledge.com/question/2630/the-importance-of-paryushan https://jainknowledge.com/question/4336/rules-during-fast-of-paryushan

• Daily/regular Pratikraman and Samayik remain central all year. A basic explanation of Pratikraman is here:

https://jainknowledge.com/media-information/89/jain_facts_concepts/Pratikaman

How they differ from other Shwetambar groups

• Murtipujak (Deravasi): worship idols in temples and perform associated rituals.
• Sthanakvasi: no idol worship; focus on inner practices in sthanaks/upashrayas.
• Terapanth: a later, organized non‑idolatrous lineage with a single Acharya; it originated from the non‑idol‑worshipping stream.

- Quick overview of Shwetambar sub‑sects: https://jainknowledge.com/question/934/types-of-shwetambar-jain

Essence

• Sthanakvasi dharma prioritizes inner discipline: equanimity, repentance, study, careful conduct, and non‑violence at every step—aimed at purifying the soul and progressing toward liberation.