Which reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to
Contents11
- ABuddhism
- BJainism
- CVaishnavism
- DShaivism
Show answer
Answer: (B) Jainism
Correct Answer: (b) Jainism
The Sthanakvasi sect belongs to Jainism, specifically to the Shvetambara (white-clad) branch of Jainism.
What makes Sthanakvasi unique? Unlike most other Jain sects, Sthanakvasis do NOT believe in idol worship. They pray in simple prayer halls (called sthanak) without any idols or images. The word 'Sthanakvasi' literally means 'those who worship in halls.'
For comparison, Jainism has two main branches:
- Shvetambara (white-clad) — which includes Sthanakvasi (no idol worship) and Murtipujak (idol worshippers)
- Digambara (sky-clad/nude) — the other major branch
Why the other options are wrong:
- Buddhism has its own sects (Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana) but Sthanakvasi is not one of them.
- Vaishnavism (worship of Vishnu) and Shaivism (worship of Shiva) are Hindu traditions.
REMEMBER: Sthanakvasi = Jainism (Shvetambara branch). Key feature: NO idol worship. They pray in plain halls (sthanaks). If you see 'Sthanakvasi' or 'Terapanthi' — think Jainism.
Sthanakvasi is a major sect within Jainism that rejects idol worship, unlike most other Jain communities who worship in temples with idols.
UPSC tests knowledge of Jain sectarian divisions to check if students understand the diversity within Indian religions beyond just the major Hindu-Buddhist classification.
Sthanakvasi Sect of Jainism
Ancient And Medieval History Sthanakvasi
Sthanakvasi Sect: Non-Idol Worshipping Jains
Sthanakvasi is a sect of Jainism under the Shvetambara branch
Key feature: No idol worship - they pray in plain halls called sthanak
Name means 'those who worship in halls' in Sanskrit
What is Sthanakvasi
Sthanakvasi is a distinct sect within Jainism that emerged as a reform movement. Unlike mainstream Jains, they reject idol worship entirely and conduct prayers in simple halls without any images or statues.
Key Characteristics
No temples or idols - worship in plain prayer halls called sthanak
Mouth covering - followers often wear a cloth strip (muhpatti) over mouth to avoid harming microorganisms
Scripture-based worship - focus on Jain texts rather than ritualistic practices
Ascetic lifestyle - emphasis on strict adherence to Jain principles of non-violence
Trap: Confusing Sthanakvasi with Buddhist or Hindu sects - it belongs only to Jainism
Trap: All Jains worship idols - Sthanakvasi specifically reject idol worship unlike other Jain sects
Memory aid: Sthanak = hall, vasi = dweller → hall dwellers who avoid temples
Major Sects of Jainism
Ancient And Medieval History Jainism
Jainism: Two Main Branches & Their Sub-sects
Two main branches: Digambara (sky-clad) and Shvetambara (white-clad)
Shvetambara has sub-sects: Murtipujak (idol worship) and Sthanakvasi (no idols)
Terapanthi is another non-idol worshipping sect under Shvetambara
Historical Division
Jainism split into two major branches centuries after Mahavira's death, primarily over clothing practices of monks and scriptural interpretations. This division shaped distinct religious practices and philosophical approaches.
Main Sects Comparison
Branch | Clothing | Idol Worship | Sub-sects | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Digambara | Sky-clad (nude) | Yes | Bispanthi, Terapanthi | Monks remain naked |
Shvetambara | White clothes | Mixed | Murtipujak, Sthanakvasi, Terapanthi | Allow clothing for monks |
Murtipujak | White clothes | Yes | Temple-based | Traditional idol worship |
Sthanakvasi | White clothes | No | Hall-based | Worship in plain halls |
Terapanthi | White clothes | No | Reform movement | Strict adherence to texts |
Trap: Assuming all Digambara or Shvetambara have same practices - they have sub-sects with different rules
Trap: Terapanthi exists in both branches - specify which one in answers
Memory aid: Shvet-ambara = White clothes, Dig-ambara = Sky clothes (naked)
Major Sects of Buddhism
Ancient And Medieval History Buddhism
Buddhism: Three Major Traditions & Their Spread
Three main traditions: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana
Theravada is oldest, found in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand
Mahayana spread to China, Japan, Korea; Vajrayana to Tibet, Mongolia
Buddhist Traditions
Tradition | Meaning | Key Belief | Geographic Spread | Texts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Theravada | Way of Elders | Individual liberation | Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand | Pali Canon |
Mahayana | Great Vehicle | Universal liberation | China, Japan, Korea | Sanskrit texts |
Vajrayana | Diamond Vehicle | Tantric practices | Tibet, Mongolia, Bhutan | Tantric texts |
Key Differences
Theravada: Buddha as teacher, individual must achieve own salvation
Mahayana: Bodhisattva ideal - helping all beings achieve liberation
Vajrayana: Esoteric practices, mantras, and complex rituals for faster enlightenment
Hindu Sectarian Traditions
Ancient And Medieval History Vaishnavism Shaivism
Major Hindu Sectarian Traditions: Vaishnavism & Shaivism
Vaishnavism: worship of Vishnu and his avatars like Krishna, Rama
Shaivism: worship of Shiva as supreme deity
Both are major Hindu traditions, not Jain or Buddhist sects
Major Hindu Sects
Tradition | Primary Deity | Key Avatars/Forms | Sacred Texts | Major Centers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Vaishnavism | Vishnu | Krishna, Rama, Narasimha | Bhagavata Purana, Ramayana | Mathura, Ayodhya, Tirupati |
Shaivism | Shiva | Nataraja, Rudra, Lingam | Shiva Purana, Agamas | Kashi, Kedarnath, Chidambaram |
Shaktism | Devi/Shakti | Durga, Kali, Parvati | Devi Mahatmya | Kamakhya, Vaishno Devi |
Trap: Confusing Vaishnavism/Shaivism with Jain sects - they are Hindu traditions only
Trap: Sthanakvasi sounds similar to Shaivism but belongs to Jainism