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110 :: Aspects of Jaina Religion
(3) Terāpanthi
The Terāpanthi sub-sect is derived from the Sthānakavāsī section. The Terapanthi sub-sect was founded by Svāmi Bhikkanaji Maharāja. Svāmī Bhikkanaji was formerly a Svānakavāsī saint and had initiation from his Guru, by name Achārya Raghunātha. Svāmi Bhikkanaji had differences with his Guru on several aspects of religious practices of Sthānakavāsi ascetics and when these took a serious turn, he founded Terāpantha on the full-moon day in the month of ĀRādha in the year V.S. 1817. i.e., 1760 A.D.
As Achārya Bhikkanaji laid stress on the 13 religious principles, namely, (i) five Mahāvratas (great vows), (ii) five samitis (regulations) and (iii) three Guptis (controls or restraints), his sub-sect was known as the Terā (meaning thirteen)-pantha sub-sect. In this connection it is interesting to note that two other interpretations have been given for the use of the term Terapantha for the sub-sect. According to one account, it is mentioned that as there were only 13 monks and 13 laymen in the pantha when it was founded, it was called as Terā (meaning thirteen)-pantha. Sometimes another interpretation of the term Terāpantha is given by its followers. Tera means yours and pantha means path; in other words, it means, “Oh! Lord Mahāvira! it is Thy path”.
The Terāpanthis are non-idolatrous and are very finely organised under the complete direction of one Acharya, that is, religious head. In its history of little more than 200 years, the Terāpantha had a succession of only 9 Achāryas from the founder Achārya Bhikkanaji as the First Achārya to the present Achārya Tulasi as the 9th Āchārya. This practice of regulating the entire Pantha by one Achārya only has become a characteristic feature of the Terāpantha and an example for emulation by other Panthas. It is noteworthy that all monks and nuns of the Terāpantha scrupulously follow the orders of their Achārya, preach under his guidance and carry out all religious activities in accordance with his instructions. Further, the Terāpantha regularly observes a remarkable festival known as Maryādā Mahotasava. This distinctive festival is
