Studies in South Indian Jainism

Author(s): M S Ramaswami Ayyangar, B Seshagiri Rao
Publisher: M S Ramaswami Ayyangar

Page 43

JAIN SECTS.
gub-sects.
returned to their country, the divergence of practice which had in the meantime fully established itself between the two parties made itself too markedly felt to be overlooked: The returned exileş refused to hold ofellowship any longer with the (in their opinion) peccant portion that had remained at home. Thus the foundation was laid of the division between the two sections, the Digambaras and Svētāmbaras."
Now each of these main divisions is Sub- Svētāmbara divided into different minor sects, according to the difference ih acknowledging or interpreting the religious texts. The principal divisions of the Svētāmbara sect are' :
(1) Pujera, who were thorough worshippers. (2) Dhundias, who although they recog
nise the images of Tirthankaras, yet do not indulge in worshipping with
formal rites and formulas. (3) Terapanthis, who do not believe in
images or their worship in any form
whatever. The Digambaras, in their turn, are also sub- Digambara divided into various sects. The most important of them are : (1) Bispanthi, who allow worship to a
certain extent. (2) Terapanthi, who acknowledge images
but do not allow any sort of worship.
sub-sects,
For a detajled account of the Ghosh, An Epitome of Jainisin, Jain Gachchhas vide Nahar and Ch. XXXVI.