Digambara Terapanth is one of the Digambara Jainism sects. It arose in response to the religious dominance of traditional religious leaders known as bhattarak around the 12th-16th centuries A.D., when the bhattarakas began diverging from the original/Mula jain practices. This article will explain the Terapanth, which will be helpful in Ancient History preparation for the UPSC Civil Service Exam.

Terapanth

• Terapantha developed in North India as a protest against the control and behaviour of the Bhattarakas, i.e. Digambara Jaina religious authority.
• As a result, the Bhattaraka institutions have lost respect in North India, although they continue to play an important role in South India.
• The Terapanthis install Tirthankara idols rather than Kshetrapala, Padmavati, and other deities.
• They reject the worship of minor gods and goddesses.
• Some Terapanthi practices, such as not using flowers in worship, subsequently spread over much of North Indian Jainism.

Terapanth - Origin

• The Terapanthi movement developed from the Adhyatma movement, which began in Agra in 1626 AD (V.S. 1683).
• Banarasidas of Agra was its most ardent supporter. Adhyatma groups developed in Agra, Lahore, and Multan between 1644 and 1726. Dyanatrai, a poet, was involved with the Adhyatma movement.
• The Bispanth-Terapanth Digambar divide formed in the 17th century in the Jaipur area, including Sanganer, Amer, and Jaipur city.
• Terapanth was legally formed in 1664-1667 by Amra Bhaunsa Godika and his son Jodhraj Godika, both notable Sanganer people.
• They spoke out against Bhattaraka Narendrakirti of Amber.
• The Terapanth movement was linked with authors such as Daulatram Kasliwal and Pandit Todarmal.
• The Terapanthis oppose practices such as:
  • Bisapanthi Abhisheka at Shravanabelagola
  • Authority of Bhattarakas
  • Use of flowers, cooked food or lamps
  • Abhisheka (panchamrita)
  • consecration of images without supervision by the representatives of Bhattarakas.

Terapanth - Characteristics

• In their temples, the Terapanthis place Tirthankara idols rather than Kshetrapala, Padmavati, and other deities.
• In addition, instead of flowers, fruits, and other green vegetables (known as sachitta items), they worship the idols with sacred rice known as 'Aksata,' cloves, sandal, almonds, dried coconuts, dates, and so on.
• In their temples, they do not normally do Arati or distribute Prasada. Again, they worship standing rather than sitting.
• Based on their contrast with the Bisapanthis, the Terapanthis appear to be reformers. They are opposed to a wide range of religious practices.
• Terapanth is more widespread in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
• The Terapanthis appear to be reformers based on their distinctions with the Bisapanthis.
• They oppose a variety of religious activities. In their opinion. These are not authentic Jain practices.
• The Terapantha saved the Digambaras from the clutches of rogue Bhattarakas, and as a result, the Terapanthis hold a unique status in the Digambara Jaina society.
• It is worth noting that the name Terapanth sub-sect exists in both the Digambara and Svetambara sects. Still, the two Terapanthis are diametrically opposed.
• The Digambara Terapanthis believe in nudity and idol worship, whilst the Svetambara Terapanthis do not.

Conclusion

The Terapantha emerged in North India as a reaction to the Bhattarakas' rule and behaviour, i.e., Digambara Jaina religious authority. Minor gods and goddesses are not worshipped by them. Some Terapanthi practices, such as avoiding using flowers in worship, were later adopted by a large portion of North Indian Jainism. Based on their contrast with the Bisapanthis, the Terapanthis appear to be reformers.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Who is credited with the founding of the Terapanth sect of Jainism?

A) Acharya Bhikshu
B) Mahavir Swami
C) Lord Adinath
D) Acharya Tulsi

2. Which of the following practices is associated with the Digambara sect of Jainism?

A) Idol Worship
B) Renunciation of clothing
C) Use of scriptures written in Sanskrit
D) Vegetarianism

3. The Terapanth sect is different from other Jain sects because it does not believe in which of the following?

A) Non-violence
B) Idol Worship
C) Meditation
D) Vegetarianism

4. The Digambara and Shvetambara sects differ primarily in which of the following?

A) Beliefs about the soul
B) Views on the Tirthankaras
C) Practices related to clothing
D) Beliefs about the afterlife

5. Which of the following teachings is central to the Digambara tradition in Jainism?

A) Non-violence through active participation in politics
B) Asceticism and renunciation of worldly possessions
C) Worship of Tirthankaras through images
D) Social service and charity

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Evaluate the role of the Terapanth tradition in the evolution of Jainism and its impact on Indian society.

Answer: The Terapanth tradition, founded by Acharya Bhikshu, contributed to the evolution of Jainism by advocating strict asceticism, non-violence, and moral discipline. Its impact on Indian society was profound, influencing not only religious practices but also art, literature, and social reform movements. By rejecting idol worship and emphasizing meditative practices, the Terapanth tradition helped reshape Jainism’s approach to spirituality and morality, making it accessible to a wider range of followers.

Q2: Compare and contrast the Digambara and Shvetambara sects in terms of their beliefs, practices, and impact on Jainism.

Answer: The Digambara and Shvetambara sects differ significantly in their practices and beliefs. Digambaras advocate complete asceticism, including the renunciation of clothing, and emphasize strict discipline for spiritual liberation. In contrast, Shvetambaras allow their ascetics to wear white clothes and have slightly different interpretations of Jain scriptures. Both sects, however, emphasize non-violence and self-purification. The Digambara sect’s focus on detachment and renunciation influenced the ascetic traditions of India, while the Shvetambara sect's more inclusive approach attracted a broader following, especially among lay followers.

Q3: Discuss the spiritual significance of asceticism in Jainism, especially in the Digambara and Terapanth traditions.

Answer: Asceticism holds immense spiritual significance in Jainism as it is seen as the path to liberation (moksha). The Digambara tradition emphasizes complete detachment, symbolized by renouncing all clothing and material possessions, as a way to attain purity and spiritual freedom. Similarly, the Terapanth tradition stresses disciplined asceticism, focusing on moral conduct and meditation. Both traditions view ascetic practices as essential for purging karmic bonds and attaining spiritual enlightenment, with the ascetic ideal representing the highest form of spiritual achievement.

Previous Year Questions on Terapanth and Digambaras

UPSC CSE 2017

Question: “Discuss the significance of asceticism in the Digambara sect of Jainism and its role in the socio-religious landscape of India.”

Answer: Asceticism in the Digambara sect of Jainism is integral to its spiritual practice, with complete renunciation of clothing representing ultimate detachment from material world attachments. This practice influenced the broader socio-religious landscape by promoting non-violence, encouraging meditation, and serving as a model of spiritual purity. The impact was also felt in cultural practices, inspiring art and architecture dedicated to ascetic ideals.

UPSC CSE 2019

Question: “Compare the Terapanth and Shvetambara traditions in Jainism, highlighting their differences and similarities in their approach to spiritual practices.”

Answer: While both the Terapanth and Shvetambara traditions share core Jain principles such as non-violence and truth, they differ in their approach to spiritual practices. The Terapanth focuses on strict asceticism and meditation without idol worship, while the Shvetambara sect allows the wearing of white clothing by ascetics and involves idol worship in religious rituals. Despite these differences, both traditions aim for spiritual liberation and emphasize moral discipline.