Sambodhi 2018 Vol 41

SR No.: 520791
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: J B Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 2018
Total Pages: 256
Language: English, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Gujarati
Classification: Magazine, India_Sambodhi, & India
File Size: 20 MB

Page 81

72
Jitendra B. Shah
SAMBODHI
Ahmedabad has been a focal point for all the Sadhus of Sthanakvasi division. Lonkashah, founder of Sthanakvasi division, belonged to Ahmedabad. He was devoted to Jainism right from his childhood. As he had mastered the art of calligraphy, Sadhus used invite him to write scriptures. He learnt about Jainism by reading these scriptures. He thought over the plight of contemporary society and opposed certain rituals like idol-worship and preached the practice of performing only Swadhaya in the Sthanak. This philosophy of Lonkashah gave birth to Sthanakvasi ideology in Samvant 1530. He insisted on the significance of soul and took a stand against rituals and other kinds of meditation. This is the reason why Sadhus and Shravaks of Sthanakvasi do not go to temple nor do they follow idol-worship. They are called Sthanakvasi as they worship God in Sthanak-Upashraya. With the passage of time, this tradition started losing its worth and Kriyodwar was called for. This tradition has given the world five reformers. Among them, sadhu Dharmasinhji established new sect in Samvant 1685. He established this division in Dariyapur, hence it has been famous as Dariyapuri Athkoti division. Initially they were only 17 Sadhus, but today, many Sadhus have joined this division.
At present, there are 40 Upashrayas of Sthanakvasi sect in Ahmedabad. In this sect also, number of Sadhus is less than Sadhvis. Tarabai Siddhant Shala was established to teach Sadhus; they are taught Sanskrit, Prakrit, Jainism and Jain scriptures. There are many other such traditional schools run in various Sthanaks on short-term basis.
Though, Sthanakvasi Shravaks are less in number, Gochri is not an issue for their Sadhus in Ahmedabad. Sthanakvasi Sadhus are permitted to receive Gochri from other Jian families, who may believe in idol-worship. These families also welcome the Sadhus with great respect. Terapanthi Tradition :
Terapanthi is a sub-division of Sthanakvasi division of Shwetambar sect, separated due to the definition of non-violence. This sub-division has its roots in Rajasthan, but its influence has spread across the country. In the beginning, 13 Sadhus had separated and thus the name of sub-division is Terapanthi. Nowadays, there are about 1800 families and 5 Sthanaks of this sect in Ahmedabad. Preksha Vishwabharti, spread over the large area of land at Koba near Ahmedabad, is the major Sthanak. Acharya Mahapragna was the head of this division. Acharya Tulsi and Acharya Mahapragnaji came to this city to during chaturmas and took some crucial decisions. During that period, they