Muni Bhikanji was fully decided to the truth. He had left the order and high status he enjoys there, for the sake of truth. He had no intention at all to start a new sect. Instead; his intensive desire for self-purification inspired him to transcend the prevailing tradition, which was not in conformity with the truth. Although many people opposed him, there were a few who appreciated his new reforming and stared to follow him. Thus, a new path was initiated and that eventually become a royal road to tread on to attain the summum bonum.
He re-initiated himself and his fellow monks in the true asceticism in the new order at Kelva in V.S.1817 Asadha Shukla Purnima. This day represents the first day of Terapanth.