11 Jan PRELIMS Bits: Jainism and its Sects.
Jainism and its Sects:
| Sect/Sub-sect | Major Features | Location | Key Practices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digambara Sect | Divided into various sub-sects | Maharashtra, Karnataka, South India, Rajasthan, Gujarat | Idol-worship, saffron offerings, Arati, Prasada distribution |
| Bisapantha (Major) | Worship of Tirthankaras and other deities, idols in temples | Maharashtra, Karnataka, South India, Rajasthan, Gujarat | Offering flowers, fruits, incense, sitting during worship |
| Terapantha (Major) | Revolt against Bhattarakas, non-idolatry, spiritual reforms | Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh | Worship with Aksata, cloves, no Arati or Prasada, standing during worship |
| Taranapantha (Minor) | Worship of sacred books, not idols, spiritual focus | Bundelkhand, Malwa (Madhya Pradesh), Khandesh (Maharashtra) | Worship books, avoid caste distinctions, oppose idol-worship |
| Gumanapantha (Minor) | Strict adherence to non-violence, no offering in temples | Rajasthan (around Jaipur) | No candles or lamps in temples, purity of conduct |
| Totapantha (Minor) | Compromise between Bisapantha and Terapantha | Madhya Pradesh | Mix of Bisapantha and Terapantha practices |
| Kanji-pantha (Emerging) | Reformist group, interpreting Kunda-Kunda’s writings | Gujarat (Sonagarh), Rajasthan (Jaipur) | Focus on philosophical interpretations of texts, increasing influence |
| Svetambara Sect | Divided into three main sub-sects | Pan-India | Varies by sub-sect |
| Murtipujaka | Idol worship, offering flowers and fruits, temple residence | Gujarat | Adorn idols, collect food in bowls, ascetics stay in temples |
| Sthanakvasi | Non-idolatry, focus on prayer halls (Sthanakas) | Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan | Worship in Sthanakas, no idol-worship, 31 scriptures |
| Terapanthi (from Sthanakvasi) | Non-idolatry, strict organization, focus on meditation | Bikaner, Jodhpur, Mewar (Rajasthan) | Strict code of conduct, meditation, small vow movement (Anuvrata Andolana) |
Download Plutus IAS Current Affairs (Eng) 11th Jan 2025
Prelims Question:
Q. In the context of the religious practices of India, the “Dhundhiya and Sadhu Margi” Sect belong to….
A. Buddhism
B. Shaktism
C. Jainism
D. Vaishnavism
ANSWER: C
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