Sthanakvasi: a brief, authentic history

• Roots (15th century): The non‑idolatry reform within Shvetambar Jainism began with the lay scholar Lonka Shah of Gujarat (c. 15th century). After closely studying the Agamas, he opposed image‑worship and ritualism and inspired the Lonka‑gaccha tradition focused on inner purity, ahimsa, and scriptural discipline.

• Formation of Sthanakvasi (17th century): From this reform stream, distinct non‑idolatry lineages of monks arose. Among the most influential was Lava/Lavji Rishi of Surat (c. 17th century), whose followers organized themselves around simple meeting halls called “sthanak” instead of temples. Hence the name “Sthanakvasi” (dwelling/assembling in sthanaks). The community is also known as Dhundhiya (“seekers”) and Sadhumargi (“followers of sadhus”).

• Core stance: Sthanakvasi Shvetambar Jains reject idol‑worship and temple ritual, emphasize pratikraman, svadhyaya (scriptural study), meditation, strict vows, and compassionate service. Their mendicants characteristically use a mouth‑cloth and maintain rigorous discipline. In scripture, they accept 32 Agamas of the Shvetambar canon.

• Later development (18th century): From within the Sthanakvasi stream arose the Terapanth order, founded by Acharya Bhikshu in the 18th century, stressing centralized ascetic discipline while continuing the non‑idolatry emphasis.

• Geography and identity: Sthanakvasi communities became especially prominent in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and parts of Maharashtra. Today they commonly identify as “Shvetambar Sthanakvasi.”

For a simple, Jain‑focused overview, see: and