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Acela and Sacela sects of Mahāvīra, because at the time of merger of disciples of Pārśva and Mahāvīra's NirgranthSangha, the Sangha must have got divided into two classes - (1) those without clothes and (2) those with clothes. These two groups of śramaņas might have been formed by Mahāvīra in accordance to the levels of conduct called Sāmāyika-caritra and Chedopasthapana-Caritra. In my opinion, in the Buddhist tradition those who were referred to as white-robed Sravakas were in fact Sramaņas; because in Buddhist tradition even Šramaņas (Bhikkhu) are called Śravakas. In this context, however, more serious thought and deliberation is required.
JOURNEY BY NIRGRANTHA SANGHA
Bihar, eastern U.P. and nearby areas around this region were the area of influence of Nirgrantha-Sangha during Mahāvīra's time. But after his Nirvāṇa these boundaries extended further. However, till the time of writing of the Āgamas and Niryukits and the early period of evolution of Jaina religion, Nirgranthas were permitted to travel only in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and eastern Rajasthan (of the present India). The sacred places of importance associated with Tīrthankaras were also limited to these areas only. Aristanemi is the only Tīrthankara who is also shown as connected to Saurashtra beside Surasena (the region close to Mathurā) and it is believe that he attained Nirvāna at Mount Girnar (in Gujarat). But the description given in Agamas about the proximity of Girnar and Dwarika is different from reality. Perhaps, the fact that Aristanemi and Krsna were close relations is the reason for Aristạnemi's association with Dwarika. Historical evidence in this context, however, is lacking. Scholars are expected to engage themselves in research in this direction.
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Jainism and its History
