Śvetāmbara Terapanth

Śvetāmbara Terapanth (तेरापंथ धर्मसंघ) is a sect of the Śvetāmbara Jainism that was founded by Acharya Bhikshu in Vikram Samvat 1817. Acharya Bhikshu believed in strict adherence to the canonical code of conduct for ascetics as prescribed by Lord Mahavira. Acharya Bhikshu rigorously followed the principles and thus set an example for all to follow. He showed the way for the life of discipline, purity and self-control.

He opposed the contemporaneous laxity in the conduct of the ascetics of the Sthanakvasi sect and suggested reformation, but his suggestions were not well received by his colleagues and his guru, Acharya Raghunathji.

Due to the conflict, Acharya Bhikshu, along with a few monks who supported his views, separated from Acharya Raghunathji at Bagadi (Marwar) in Vikram Samvat 1817 (28 June 1760), Chaitra Shukla Navami. This marked the beginning of the Śvetāmbara Terapanth.

The Terapanth religious sect is known for its finely organized structure which operates under the complete direction of one Acharya, who serves as the supreme head of the order. With a history of over 200 years, the sect has had only eleven Acharyas, with the current supreme head being Acharya Shri Mahashraman ji, who is the eleventh Acharya. The sect consists of over 850 monks, nuns, Samans, and Samanis (a rank between ascetics and lay-followers) who adhere to strict codes of discipline, and has millions of followers worldwide. The sect emphasizes non-violence, vegetarianism, and strict adherence to the canonical code of conduct for ascetics. The sect's followers are called Terapanthis, and they have a strong tradition of seva (selfless service) and sadhana (spiritual practice).

The Terapanthi monks and nuns follow a strict discipline that includes celibacy, non-possession, non-violence, truthfulness, and meditation. They lead a simple lifestyle and wear white robes. The sect also encourages the practice of ahimsa (non-violence) towards all living beings.

The Terapanthi community has a significant presence in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh in India. The Terapanthi order is strict in its non-idolatrous approach, which means that they do not worship or believe in the use of idols for religious purposes. Instead, they focus on the importance of self-control, self-discipline, and meditation and have lakhs of followers in many parts of the world including Nepal, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.