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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Schisms in the Jain Samgha
5.
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113
The Svetambaras believed that Mahavira was married with Yasoda and had a daughter from her, the Digamgaras altogether deny it.
According to the Svetämbaras 19th Tirthankara Malli Natha was a woman, but the Digambaras believe that Malli Natha was a man. The Svetambaras believe that a woman can obtain moksha but according to the Digambaras they are not entitled to it.
According to the Svetambaras the embryo of Mahāvīra was transferred from the womb of Kshatrāṇi Triśalã to that of Brāhmaṇi Devananda. The embryo transfer story is not accepted by the Digmbaras.
The Svetambaras believe in the anthencity of the existing twelve angas. The Digambaras believe that the original twelve angas are extinct..
The Svetambaras adorn the images of Tirthankaras with clothes and ornaments. The Digambaras are opposed to such clothing or ornamentation.
In addition to these major differences, they developed differences on some minor points as well. They are trivial and have little historical significance. Infact, there were no significant doctrinal differences. Almost all the cardinal principles of Jainism are accepted by both of them.
1.
Kalpa Sutra (S.B.E. Vol. XXII) p. 286-87.
2.
According to Digambara tradition Indrabhūti Gautam succeeded Mahavira. It is quite strange as to why the Svetambaras tradition has ignored him as immediate successor of Mahāvīra.
3.
4.
Kalpa Sutra (S.B.E. Vol. XXII) p. 287.
Roy, A. K. - '1 A History of the Jains' p. 90
Ibid. p. 93-95.
Uttaradhyayan Sutra (SBE. Vol. XLV) p. 123.
