The Terapanthi Svetambara Jain Tradition was founded by Muni Bhikhan, also known as Acarya Bhiksu. Terapanth Jainism is distinguished by the practice of one leader governing the entire order. The Terapantha celebrates a festival called Maryada Mahotsav, or "Festival of Conduct '' on a regular basis. This article will explain to you the Terapanth which will be helpful in Ancient History preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Terapanth

• Terapanthi is a Svetembar Jain religious group. The Sthanakvasi; section gives rise to the Terapanthi sub-section.
• The Terpantha sect, which has been associated with Rajasthan since its inception in the 18th century, is quickly spreading among Jains both inside and beyond India.
• Terapanth is a Svetambara Jainism religious group. Muni Bhikhan (Bhikshu Swami), who subsequently became Acharya Bhikshu, created it.
• Bhikshu was initiated as a member of the Sthnakavs order by Acharya Raghunatha.
• However, he disagreed with his guru on some parts of the Sthanakvasi order's religious traditions and left it.
• In Vikram Samvat 1817 (28 June 1760), he formed the new Svetambara Terapanthi order in Kelwa, a tiny town in the Udaipur division of Rajasthan state.

Terapanthi - Characteristics

• The Svetambara Terapanth sect is distinguished by the concentration of power in a single Acarya and the introduction of a new sort of ascetic - the male samaas and female samanis.
• Terapanthi is non-idolatrous and very well structured under the total guidance of one Acharya, or religious Supreme.
• All Jains believe that negative karma should be avoided since it prevents the soul from becoming liberated.
• Terpanthins believe that believers seeking freedom should avoid deeds that create good karma as well, because both good and bad karma eventually hinder salvation.
• Rajasthan is the epicentre of Svetambara Terapanthin activity. This link may be traced back to the 18th century, to the birth of Acrya Bhiku near Udaipur.
• It was bolstered by the fact that Acarya Tulsi was also born in Rajasthan.

Muni Bhikhan

• Muni Bhikhan (1726–1803), afterwards known as Acarya Bhiku, created the Terpantha. He was born in the Rajasthan hamlet of Kantaliya, near Jodhpur.
• His parents were from the Osval caste, which has historically provided a considerable number of recruits to the Terpantha.
• Many Osvals continue the tradition of idol worship, while many others follow the Sthanakvasi.
• Following his wife's death, Bhikhan joined the Sthanakvasi monastic order, which is opposed to image worship. Bhikhan, on the other hand, departed and started a new gang with 12 other men.
• Acarya Bhiksu's opponents mocked it as the "13th Path" – terah-panth – but he understood it to mean "your group" – tera panth.
• He also saw the number 13 as a reference to the following key principles of Jain doctrine:
• the ‘five major vows’ – maha-vratas
• the ‘three restraints’ – gupti
• the ‘five precautions’ – samiti.

Acarya Bhiksu

Conclusion

Muni Bhikhan, also known as Acarya Bhiksu, created the Terapanthi Svetambara Jain Tradition. Svetambara Terapanthi activity is centred in Rajasthan. This connection may be traced back to the 18th century, to Acrya Bhiku's birth near Udaipur. On a regular basis, the Terapantha commemorates Maryada Mahotsav, or "Festival of Conduct."

FAQs

MCQs

1. Who is considered the founder of the Terapanthi Svetambara sect?

A) Acharya Bhikshu
B) Acharya Mahavir
C) Acharya Vidyanand
D) Acharya Umaswati

2. What is the term "Terapanthi" derived from?

A) The seventeen principles followed by the sect
B) The twelve vows of Jainism
C) The thirteen principles followed by the sect
D) The twenty-five teachings of Jainism

3. Which of the following principles is emphasized by the Terapanthi Svetambara sect?

A) Non-violence (Ahimsa)
B) Austerity and Meditation
C) Truthfulness (Satya)
D) All of the above

4. What is the primary role of the Acharya in the Terapanthi Svetambara sect?

A) To guide spiritual practices
B) To oversee monastic orders
C) To maintain discipline within the community
D) All of the above

5. Which of the following is a key difference between the Terapanthi Svetambara sect and the Digambara sect?

A) The Terapanthi sect follows a more moderate approach to asceticism
B) The Terapanthi sect allows the wearing of religious symbols
C) The Terapanthi sect rejects the practice of non-violence
D) The Terapanthi sect follows twenty-five principles

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Explain the significance of the Terapanthi Svetambara sect in the history of Jainism. How does it contribute to Jain religious practices?

Answer: The Terapanthi Svetambara sect holds significant importance in the history of Jainism, particularly in the context of its emergence in the 17th century under Acharya Bhikshu. This sect emphasizes strict discipline, self-control, and simplicity, which contributed to the streamlining of Jain religious practices. The Terapanthi community focuses on asceticism and spiritual purity, promoting principles such as non-violence, truthfulness, and non-possession. The sect also played a pivotal role in fostering unity among Jains, maintaining religious integrity, and spreading Jain teachings across regions. By adhering to the thirteen fundamental principles (Tera), the Terapanthi Svetambaras helped preserve Jainism’s core values and practices in a time of social and political change.

Q2: Discuss the role of asceticism and austerity in the Terapanthi Svetambara sect. How does it shape the lifestyle of its followers?

Answer: Asceticism and austerity are central tenets of the Terapanthi Svetambara sect. These principles shape the lifestyle of its followers, who are encouraged to lead simple, disciplined lives with minimal attachment to material possessions. Followers of the sect engage in rigorous practices such as fasting, meditation, and self-reflection to purify the body and mind. This emphasis on austerity is believed to help individuals detach from worldly desires, thereby attaining spiritual enlightenment. The Terapanthi sect’s focus on austerity and asceticism aligns with its broader goal of fostering an environment conducive to personal growth, inner peace, and non-violence.

Q3: Evaluate the influence of the Terapanthi Svetambara sect on modern Jainism. What role does it play in the contemporary Jain community?

Answer: The Terapanthi Svetambara sect continues to have a profound influence on modern Jainism. Its emphasis on simplicity, discipline, and non-violence resonates with contemporary Jain values, particularly in a globalized world where materialism often conflicts with spiritual teachings. The sect's focus on meditation, austerity, and ethical living has made it a significant part of the Jain community’s efforts to maintain traditional practices while adapting to modern challenges. The Terapanthi Svetambara sect plays a vital role in preserving Jain philosophy and ethics, guiding new generations in their spiritual journey while promoting unity and peaceful coexistence within the Jain community.

Previous Year Questions on Terapanthi Svetambara Sect

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: Who is the founder of the Terapanthi Svetambara sect?

A) Acharya Bhikshu
B) Acharya Vidyanand
C) Acharya Mahavir
D) Acharya Umaswati

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Acharya Bhikshu founded the Terapanthi Svetambara sect, emphasizing strict discipline and austerity in the 17th century.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Examine the contributions of the Terapanthi Svetambara sect to the religious and cultural development of Jainism."

Answer: The Terapanthi Svetambara sect contributed significantly to the religious and cultural development of Jainism by emphasizing spiritual purity, austerity, and simplicity. Founded by Acharya Bhikshu, the sect promoted the core values of Jainism and played a key role in preserving these traditions. Its disciplined approach to asceticism and community-building helped maintain unity within the Jain community and ensured the continued relevance of Jain teachings in the modern world.