Terapanth History

Terapanth is a religious sect under Swetambar Jain. The terapanthi sub-sect was founded by  Swami Bhikanji Maharaj. Swami Bhikanji was formerly a Sthanakvasi saint and had initiation  by Acharya Raghunatha. But he had differences with his Guru on several aspects of religious  practices of Sthanakvasi ascetics. Hence he left the Sthanakvasi sect with the motto of  correct practise of Jain saint.In Vikram Sambat 1817 i.e. June 28th of 1760 ( Saturday ) at  KELWA (a small town in Udaipur District of Rajasthan State ),Terapanth was Founded by  Acharya Bhikshu. This sect is entirely based upon the Ideology of Jain .As Acharya  Bhikanaji laid stress on the 13 religious principles, namely, (i) five Mahavratas (great  vows), (ii) five samitis (regulations) and (iii) three Guptis (controls... or restraints),  his sub-sect was known as the Tera (meaning thirteen)-pantha sub-sect. In this connection  it is interesting to note that two other interpretations have been given for the use of the  term Terapantha for the sub-sect. According to one account, it is mentioned that as there  were only 13 monks and 13 laymen in the pantha when it was founded, it was called as Tera  (meaning thirteen) -pantha. Sometimes another interpretation of the term Terapantha is  given by its followers. Tera means yours and pantha means path; in other words, it  means,"Oh! Lord Mahavira! it is Your path ( Panth )". HAI PRABHOO YEH TERA PANTHThis  practice of regulating the entire Pantha by one Acharya only has become a characteristic  feature of the Terapantha and an example for emulation by other Panthas. Further, the  Terapantha regularly observes a remarkable festival known as Maryada Mahotasava. This  distinctive festival is celebrated every year on the 7th day of the bright half of the  month of Magha when all ascetics and lay disciples. He had written letter of Conduct in  Rajasthani language which is still being followed after 250 years with some modification as  per time entacting the main base. The picture of original Letter is as below 1st Page of  Letter of Conduct written by Acharya BhikshuTerapanth is non-idolatrous and are very finely  organized under the complete direction of one Acharya, that is, religious Supreme . In its  history of little more than 200 years, the Terapantha had a succession of only 10 Acharyas  from the founder Acharya Bhikanaji as the First Acharya to the present At present Acharya  Mahapragya is the supreme head . He is the Tenth Acharya of Terapanth religious sect  comprising more than 850 monks , nuns, samans and samanis( a new rank between the ascetic  and the lay - followers ) following critical codes of disciplines, and millions of  followers all over the world.