Rise and Glory History of Halari Visa Oshwals

Author(s): Rati Dodhia
Publisher: Rati Dodhia

Page 31

18
Part I. Origin
are a peculiarly Digamber institution, celibate but able to possess property. They officiate at religious and domestic occasions; manage the estates of the temples. Period of reformation from eighteenth century to present. In seventeenth century Banarsidas Jain in Agra protested against the practices followed by Bispantha sub-sect. The movement became stronger and a new sub-sect was born called Terapantha (not to be confused with Svetamber sub-sect of the same name), in Sanganer, near Jaipur in eighteenth century.
The Digambers called their 'church' the Mul Sangh, the Original Community, from which all the subsequent sub sects branched out.
The early establishments:
1. Mul Sangh, which had four schools, Vira Sinha, Nandi,
Sena and Deva; 2. Kastha Sangh, established by Kumarsen Muni V.S.
753; 3. Mathura Sangh, in Mathura V.S. 900; 4. Dravid Sangh established by Vajra Suri.
The recent Sub sects:
1. Bispanthi: According to some this was the original
sect of the Digamberas. They worship nude images and to which they offer flowers, saffron, fruits, sweetmeats and other things. The majority of Jainas in Northern India followed these practices. Terapanthi: This sect came into existence in 1663 V.S. because of a protest movement against the domination and lax conduct of Bhattaraks. They worship nude images but unlike Bispanthis they worship the image by offering aksata (sacred rice), cloves, sandal, almonds, coconuts, date and other