Main branches of the Śvetāmbara sect

1) Mūrtipūjaka (also called Derāvāsī or Mandir-mārgī)

• Worship idols of Tīrthaṅkaras in temples.
• Monastic lineages (gacchas) within Mūrtipūjaka that continue today include:

- Tapā Gaccha - Kharatara Gaccha - Āchal (Anchal/Vidhipakṣa) Gaccha - Pārśvachandra (Paichand) Gaccha

• Note: Many other gacchas existed historically; most have faded. Upakeśa Gaccha is considered extinct.

2) Sthānakvāsī

• Do not practice idol worship; gather in simple halls (sthanaks).
• Emphasize study, meditation, and ethical conduct over temple rituals.

3) Terāpanth (Śvetāmbara)

• Emerged from the Sthānakvāsī stream.
• Strict discipline under a single Ācārya; no idol worship; focus on inner purity and conduct.

Simple way to remember

• Idol-worshipping Śvetāmbaras: Mūrtipūjaka (with gacchas like Tapā, Kharatara, Āchal, Pārśvachandra).
• Non-idol-worshipping Śvetāmbaras: Sthānakvāsī and Terāpanth.

For a short, clear overview of Śvetāmbara sub-sects and their practices, see:

• Śvetāmbara, Sthānakvāsī, Terāpanth explained
• Sects and sub-sects of Jainism (including Śvetāmbara and its gacchas)