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History of Nirgrantha tradition
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The 15 century AD idols of Jaina Sramanas available in Mathura are shown with one blanketlike cloth. They generally used to live naked, but while going out on begging rounds or on meeting people they would carry that piece of cloth or blanket in hand in order to hide their nakedness, and also to cover themselves in excessive cold conditions. In the first part of Acārānga and its eighth chapter there is a reference to Acelakaśramaņas along with śramaņas who kept one, two and three pieces of cloth.
It is absolutely certain that Mahāvīra ordained himself without a begging bowl. According to information available from Ācārāngasūtra, he first used householders' bowls but he gave this up and soon started taking alms in his own hands. Later because of the ban on the use of fresh (sacitta) water, Nirgrantha-sargha probably allowed the use of a bowl for water for cleansing purpose (sauca). When the number of monks increased and when they were unable to get sufficient food from one household, the practice of using and keeping these begging bowls for food may have started. Besides this, the practice of taking and bringing alms for the sick and aged bhikkhus while tending or serving them might have started. In one of the findings of Mathura an idol
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