Division of Jainism: Digambara vs. Svetambara

Jainism, an ancient Indian religion, is divided into two major sects: Digambara and Svetambara. The division primarily revolves around differences in beliefs, practices, and interpretations of Jain teachings, leading to distinct rituals, clothing, and perspectives within the Jain community.

Features of Jainism: Characteristics and Tenets

About 500 years after Mahavira’s death, in about 79 or 82 CE, a schism occurred in Jainism. 

• Magadha was affected by severe famine, and some of the Jaina monks under Bhadrabahu went South to maintain their strict discipline. They remained without garments and were known as Digambaras (space-clad or naked). 
  • The major Sub-Sects of Digambaras are Bisapanth, Terapanth, and Taranapanth (Samaiyapantha)
  • The minor Sub-sects are Gumanapantha and Totapantha
• Other monks who stayed back under the leadership of Sthulabhadra and adopted a white garment were known as Svetambaras (white-clad). 
  • The Sub-sects of Svetambaras are Murtipujaka, Sthanakvasi, Terapanth. [UPSC 2018]
• The schism weakened Jainism in Magadha, but it found ardent followers in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Karnataka.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Jain Temples

• Ranakpur temple (Rajasthan): Built by Darna Shah in 1437 AD. It is a dedicated to Tirthankara Rishabhdev. Svetambara Jain temple 
• Mount Mangi Tungi (Maharashtra): It enshrines images of Tirthankaras in several postures, including Padmasana and Kayotsarga.
• Shikharji (Jharkhand): It is located on Parasnath Hill. It is an important Jain Tirtha for both Digambara and Svetambara. It is where twenty of the twenty-four Jain Tirthankaras attained Moksha.
• Khajuraho Group of Monuments (Madhya Pradesh): The Jain temples are located in the southeast region of the Khajuraho monuments. 
• Dilawara Jain temple of Mount Abu is made of marble. It was built by the Samanta Vimalshah of Chalukya (Solanki) ruler Bhimdev I of Gujarat.
• Sittanavasal Paintings: These represent the theme of Jain Samasvasarana.
• Ellora Caves (Maharashtra), Udaygiri Caves (Odisha), and Sittanavasal Caves (Tamil Nadu) also depict Jain influence.

Conclusion:

• The division within Jainism into Digambara and Svetambara sects underscores the diversity and richness of Jain religious thought and practice. Despite differences, both sects share a common commitment to the core principles of non-violence, truthfulness, and spiritual liberation.