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Sadhu upkaran names
Here are the commonly accepted “upkaran” (monastic requisites) for Jain sadhus. Names are given in simple transliteration with brief purpose.
Shvetambar (Murtipujak/Sthanakvasi/Terapanth) — core upkaran
- Rajoharan (Ogha): soft wool broom to gently clear the path/seating to avoid himsa.
- Muhpatti (Mukhavastrika): mouth-cloth used while speaking/reciting to protect tiny beings.
- Patra (alms-bowl, often a nested set): to receive and take aahar.
- Kamandal (Kamaṇḍalu): water pot with boiled water for purity and sanitation.
- Dand (Daṇḍa): staff, mainly for careful walking and protection without harm.
- Sthapanacharya (book-stand): placed during svadhyaya/pravachan as “substitute teacher.”
- Agam/Pothi: scriptures for study and teaching.
Notes within Shvetambar:
- Exact combinations and counts vary slightly by gaccha/order (for example, Terapanth and Sthanakvasi keep the muhpatti fixed; Murtipujak use it as needed). The spirit is ahimsa and aparigraha, not possession.
Digambar — core upkaran
- Pichhi (Piñchhi): broom made of naturally shed peacock feathers, used to gently move living beings away.
- Kamandal (Kamaṇḍalu): water pot for boiled water used in purity-related actions.
- Shastra (Scriptures): for svadhyaya/pravachan.
Notes within Digambar:
- Digambar munis are pāṇi-pātra (they receive and eat from the cupped hands, not a bowl).
- Muhpatti and rajoharan are not used by Digambar munis.
Essence preserved in both traditions
- These items are minimal aids to practice vows (especially ahimsa and aparigraha). They are not “possessions”; they are received from the laity and used without attachment.
