Gaccha

Gaccha is a monastic order, along with lay followers, of image worshipping (Murtipujaka) Svetambara sect of Jainism.

Etymology

Gaccha literally means "who travel togather".^[1]

History

According to Jain tradition, in the first century, Vajrasensuri established four Kulas, subdivisions within Swetambara Murtipujaka Jain community, to divide the community during time of drought to disperse them. They were: Chandra, Nirvriti, Vidyadhar and Nagendra. During 1000 to 1300 CE, the Gaccha replaced these Kula as basic divisions of community.

Although some 84 separate gacchas have appeared since the 7th–8th century, only a few have survived, such as the Kharatara (located mainly in Rajasthan), the Tapa, the Achala, the Paichand or Pashwachandra, the Vimal and the Tristutik Gaccha. While the gacchas do not differ from one another in matters of doctrine, they do differ on issues of practice, in particular those practices relating to the sacred calendar and to ritual. The various gacchas also trace their descent through different lineages.

Tapa Gaccha was founded by Jagatchandrasuri in Vikram Samvat 1285 (1229 CE). He was given the title of "Tapa" (i.e., the meditative one) by the ruler of Mewar. It was a branch of the Brihad Gaccha founded by Udyotan Suri. Vijaydevsuri (1600–1657 AD) is considered one of major leader of lineage. They reformed monastic order of Svetambara Jainism. As a result of this reform, most Svetambara Jain monks today belong to Tapa Gaccha.^[1]

Kharatara Gaccha was founded by Vardhamana Suri^[2] (till 1031). His teacher was a temple-dwelling monk. He rejected him because of not following texts.^[3]^[2] His pupil, Jineshvara, got honorary title 'Kharatara' (Sharp witted or Fierce) because he defeated Suracharya, leader of Chaityavasis in public debate in 1023 at Anahilvada Patan. So the Gaccha got his title. Another tradition regards Jinadatta Suri (1075-1154) as a founder of Gaccha.^[2]

Tristutik Gaccha was founded by Acharya Rajendrasuri in 1194 AD ( Vikram Samvat 1250.)

References

^ ^a ^b John E. Cort (22 March 2001). Jains in the World : Religious Values and Ideology in India: Religious Values and Ideology in India. Oxford University Press. pp. 42–44. ISBN 978-0-19-803037-9. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
^ ^a ^b ^c Glasenapp, Helmuth (1999). Jainism: An Indian Religion of Salvation. Motilal Banarsidass Publ. p. 389. ISBN 9788120813762. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
^ "Overview of world religions-Jainism-Kharatara Gaccha". http://www.philtar.ac.uk/encyclopedia/index.html. Division of Religion and Philosophy, University of Cumbria. Retrieved 27 November 2012. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)

[University2001-1] John E. Cort (22 March 2001). Jains in the World : Religious Values and Ideology in India: Religious Values and Ideology in India. Oxford University Press. pp. 42–44. ISBN 978-0-19-803037-9. Retrieved 6 August 2014.

[hvg-2] Glasenapp, Helmuth (1999). Jainism: An Indian Religion of Salvation. Motilal Banarsidass Publ. p. 389. ISBN 9788120813762. Retrieved 27 November 2012.

[phil-3] "Overview of world religions-Jainism-Kharatara Gaccha". http://www.philtar.ac.uk/encyclopedia/index.html. Division of Religion and Philosophy, University of Cumbria. Retrieved 27 November 2012. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)

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