Shvetambar Terapanth

Shvetambar Terapanth

Shvetambar Terapanth is a reformist religious movement founded by Acharya Bhikshu, who is also known as Swami Bhikanji Maharaj. Acharya Bhikshu was formerly a Sthanakvasi saint and had initiation by Acharya Raghunatha, but he had differences with his Guru on several aspects of religious practices of Sthanakvasi ascetics. Hence, he left the Sthanakvasi sect with the idea of correcting practise of Jain monks and founded a new order on June 29th, 1760 CE. Shvetambar Terapanth belongs to the amurtipujaka lineage of Jainism, which means that the order does not have temples or idols. The order comprises over 1000 saints and nuns in a very organised structure under the current Acharya Mahashramana.

• Read:
  • History of Shvetambar Terapanth Order
  • History and Doctrine of Shvetambar Terapanth
  • A Short History of the Terapanthi Sect of the Swetamber Jains and its Tenets

The Shvetambar Terapanth order is not to be confused with the independent lineage of Digambar Terapanth.