Sthanakvasi - Svetambaras - Ancient India History Notes
Sthanakvasi is a Svetmbara Jain sect. It holds that idol worship isn't necessary for soul cleansing and the achievement of Nirvana/Moksha. Sthanakavasi accepts the Svetambara canon, which consists of thirty-two Jain Agamas. Rather than being direct ancestors of the Svetambaras, the Sthanakvasi were reformers of an older reformist group, the Jain Lonka sect. This article will explain to you the Sthanakvasi which will be helpful in Ancient History preparation for the UPSC Civil Service Exam.
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Sthanakvasi
- The Sthanakvasi were reformers of an older reformist group, the Jain Lonka sect, rather than direct descendants of the Svetambaras.
- Around 1474 A.D., Lonkashaha, a rich and well-read merchant from Ahmedabad, founded the Lonka sect.
- Later, some Lonka sect members criticised their ascetics' lifestyles, claiming that they were less rigorous than Mahavira would have desired.
- Dhundhiya (searchers) and Sadhumargi (followers of Sadhus, i.e., ascetics) are other names for Sthanakvasi .
- Sthanakvasi refers to people who do not conduct their religious activities in temples, but rather in Sthanakas, which are similar to prayer halls.
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| Digambaras | Svetambaras |
| Terapanth | Terapanthi |
Sthanakvasi - Origin
- Rather than being direct ancestors of the Svetambaras, the Sthanakvasi were reformers of an older reformist group, the Jain Lonka sect.
- Around 1474 A.D., the Lonka sect was created. The primary concept of this group was that no idols should be worshipped.
- Later, some members of the Lonka sect disapproved of their present ascetics' manner of living, claiming that they did not live as severely as Mahavira would have liked.
- Viraji of Surat, a layman of the Lonka sect, was initiated as a Yati, or ascetic, and garnered much appreciation for his rigorous lifestyle.
- Many members of the Lonka sect joined this reformer and assumed the name Sthanakwasi, vowing to follow Lord Mahavir's ideals to the letter.
Sthanakvasi - Characteristics
- Sthanakvasi are quite identical to other Svetambara Jainas, with the exception of idol worship, and they now usually identify themselves as Svetambara Sthanakvasi.
- The Sthanakvasi have no belief in idol worship. As a result, they lack temples and instead rely on sthanakas, or prayer halls, to perform religious fasts, festivals, rituals, prayers, talks, and so on.
- Furthermore, the ascetics of Sthanakvasi always cover their lips with fabric strips, and they never use yellow or any other colour cloth (except white).
- Furthermore, the Sthanakvasi recognise the legitimacy of just 31 of Svetambaras texts.
- The Sthanakvasi reject thirteen Shvetambara canon texts and accept only thirty-two.
- In the diksha, initiation, or pravrajya, renunciation and rituals, sthanakvasi are exceptions to the usual norm of renouncing the household name.
- Even as ascetics, they keep their common names, which may have initially helped to separate them from the Svetambaras.
- The Murtipujak sect is largely made up of svetambaras who are not Sthnakavsins.
- Furthermore, the Sthanakwasi have little confidence in pilgrimage sites and do not engage in Murtipujak Shwetambar religious celebrations.
- The Svetambara Sthanakvasi may be found in numerous locations around India, although it is especially widespread in Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
Conclusion
Rather than being direct ancestors of the Svetambaras, the Sthanakvasi were reformers of an older reformist group, the Jain Lonka sect. With the exception of idol worship, Sthanakvasi are nearly identical to other Svetambara Jainas, and they now refer to themselves as Svetambara Sthanakvasi. The Sthanakvasi are anti-idol worshippers. As a result, they don't have temples and rely on sthanakas instead.
FAQs
Question: Who are the Sthanakvasi Svetambaras?
Answer: The Sthanakvasi Svetambaras are a sect within Jainism that emerged as a reformist movement in the 17th century. They follow the Svetambara tradition but differ in their rejection of idol worship and temple rituals, emphasizing meditation and spiritual purity.
Question: When did the Sthanakvasi sect originate?
Answer: The Sthanakvasi sect originated around 1653 AD, branching out from the Lonka sect, which opposed idol worship in Jainism.
Question: What are the key practices of the Sthanakvasi sect?
Answer: Sthanakvasis focus on meditation, scriptural study, and rituals in prayer halls (sthanakas) instead of temples. They wear white robes and cover their mouths with cloth strips to prevent harm to microorganisms.
Question: What is the main difference between Sthanakvasi and other Svetambara Jains?
Answer: The key difference is that Sthanakvasi Jains reject idol worship, unlike other Svetambara subsects who practice temple worship.
Question: Where are Sthanakvasi Jains primarily found?
Answer: The Sthanakvasi Jains are predominantly found in Gujarat, Punjab, and Rajasthan, where they follow their distinct religious practices.
MCQs
- Sthanakvasi Svetambaras primarily emphasize:
A) Idol worship
B) Meditation and spiritual purity
C) Elaborate temple rituals
D) Pilgrimage practices
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Sthanakvasi Svetambaras emphasize meditation and strict adherence to Mahavira's teachings, rejecting idol worship and temple rituals.
- The Sthanakvasi sect emerged in the:
A) 12th century
B) 14th century
C) 15th century
D) 17th century
Answer: (D) See the Explanation
The sect emerged around 1653 AD as a reformist movement within the Svetambara tradition, emphasizing non-idolatry.
- What distinguishes Sthanakvasis from other Svetambaras?
A) Exclusive temple worship
B) Rejection of idol worship
C) Wearing red robes
D) Engaging in pilgrimage
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Unlike other Svetambara sects, Sthanakvasis reject idol worship and focus on spiritual practices.
- Sthanakvasis conduct their rituals in:
A) Temples
B) Open spaces
C) Sthanakas (prayer halls)
D) Forests
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
Rituals are conducted in prayer halls known as sthanakas, reflecting their rejection of temple-based worship.
- The practice of covering the mouth with cloth among Sthanakvasis is to:
A) Show humility
B) Prevent harm to microorganisms
C) Adorn religious symbols
D) Practice fasting
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
This practice demonstrates their commitment to non-violence and protecting even the smallest forms of life.
GS Mains Questions and Model Answers
Q1: Analyze the emergence of the Sthanakvasi sect and its impact on Jain practices.
Answer: The Sthanakvasi sect emerged in the 17th century as a reform movement within the Svetambara tradition, rejecting idol worship and emphasizing meditation and scriptural adherence. Their focus on spiritual purity and non-idolatry challenged traditional practices and fostered a distinct religious identity. This reformist zeal resonated with many followers, contributing to the broader discourse on religious reform and non-materialism within Jainism, shaping modern Jain practices and promoting introspection.
Q2: How do the practices of the Sthanakvasi sect reflect their religious beliefs?
Answer: Sthanakvasis emphasize non-idolatry, meditation, and adherence to Mahavira's teachings, reflecting their commitment to spiritual purity and asceticism. Rituals are conducted in sthanakas (prayer halls), and members avoid temples and idol worship. The use of white robes and mouth coverings underscores their dedication to non-violence and minimalism, illustrating their deep-seated beliefs in non-materialism and spiritual discipline.
Q3: Compare the religious practices of Sthanakvasi Svetambaras with those of other Svetambara subsects.
Answer: While both Sthanakvasi and other Svetambara Jains adhere to Mahavira’s teachings, Sthanakvasis distinguish themselves by rejecting idol worship and temple rituals. Instead, they focus on meditation and prayer in sthanakas. Other Svetambara subsects engage in temple worship and idol veneration. This divergence reflects differing interpretations of purity and adherence to spiritual discipline, shaping distinct practices within the broader Svetambara tradition.
Previous Year Questions on Sthanakvasi
1. UPSC CSE 2018
Question: Discuss the reformist nature of the Sthanakvasi movement within Jainism.
Answer: The Sthanakvasi movement emerged as a reformist challenge to traditional idol worship within Jainism, emphasizing meditation, scriptural study, and non-idolatry. By focusing on spiritual purity and ascetic practices, Sthanakvasis differentiated themselves from other Svetambara Jains. This reformist zeal promoted introspection, non-materialism, and adherence to Mahavira's teachings, reflecting broader trends of religious reform within Indian society.
2. UPSC CSE 2020
Question: Evaluate the role of Sthanakvasi practices in shaping modern Jain traditions.
Answer: Sthanakvasi practices, emphasizing meditation, non-idolatry, and ascetic discipline, have significantly influenced modern Jain traditions by reinforcing the emphasis on spiritual purity and simplicity. Their rejection of temple rituals and focus on scriptural study reflect a commitment to internal spiritual growth. This approach has contributed to the diversity within Jainism, fostering greater introspection and a renewed focus on core ethical values.
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