Sthānakavāsī

Sthānakavāsī is a sect of Śvetāmbara Jainism which was created in the medieval era as a result of a misinterpretation of the Śvetāmbara canon. The Sthanakvasi, whose name refers to the sect’s preference for performing religious duties at a secular place such as a monks’ meeting house (sthanak) rather than at a temple, is different from the Murtipujaka sect in that it rejects idolatry. It believes that idol worship is not essential in the path of soul purification and attainment of Nirvana/Moksha. Sthānakavāsī accept thirty-two of the Jain Agamas, the Śvetāmbara canon, contending that the scriptures make no mention of idol worship and temples. However, since the original texts of the ancient Ardhamagadhi canon contain numerous references to idolatry in the past, they have, over time, also modified the 32 texts they accept, to establish their view.

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