Acharya Bhikshu was a pivotal Jain monk (1726–1803) who founded the Śvetāmbara Terapanth sect. He established a highly organized path for Jain monks, emphasizing strict discipline, simplicity, and a single-headed leadership. The Terapanth tradition arose when he and his supporters separated from the older Sthanakvasi lineage, starting with “thirteen” monks, followers, and rules—hence the name Terapanth (Thirteen Path).

Key points:

• Founder of Terapanth, Śvetāmbara tradition.
• Born in Kantaliya, Rajasthan in 1726; died in Siriyari, Rajasthan in 1803.
• Advocated one Acharya, one principle, one thought; reformed monastic life to emphasize discipline and non-possessiveness.
• Wrote extensively; his insights are collected in works like Bhikshu Granth Ratnakar and Nav Padarth Sadbhav.

Notes on traditions:

• Terapanth is a distinct Śvetāmbara reform movement. Digambara sources typically recognize different lineages, but Acharya Bhikshu’s reforms are primarily associated with Śvetāmbara Terapanth.

You can read more here