Get Jain Swetamber Terapanthi Mahasabha

The sect consists of over 850 monks, nuns, Samans, and Samanis (a rank between ascetics and lay-followers) who adhere to strict codes of discipline, and has millions of followers worldwide. The sect emphasizes non-violence, vegetarianism, and strict adherence to the canonical code of conduct for ascetics.

Acharya Mahashraman (IAST: Ācārya Mahāśramaṇa; born 13 May 1962) is the eleventh Acharya, supreme head of Jain Śvētāmbara Terapanth sect. Mahashraman ji heads all activities functioning under Terapanth organisation, most notably Anuvrat, Preksha Meditation, Jeevan Vigyan (Science Of Living).

Terapanth is a religious sect among Swetembar Jains. The Terapanthi sub-sect is derived from the Sthanakvasi section and was founded by Swami Bhikkanaji Maharaj (also known as Acharya Bhikshu) who was formerly a Sthanakvasi saint and had initiation from his Guru Acharya Raghunatha.

Terapanth was formally founded by Amra Bhaunsa Godika and his son Jodhraj Godika, prominent citizens in Sanganer, during 1664-1667. They expressed opposition to Bhattaraka Narendrakirti of Amber. Authors such as Daulatram Kasliwal and Pandit Todarmal were associated with the Terapanth movement.

Acharya Bhikshu (1726–1803) was the founder and first spiritual head of the Swetambar Terapanth sect of Jainism.

Both groups based their belief on the argument that the Jain canon makes no mention of idol worship. The Sthanakavasis themselves gave rise to another group, the Terapanthi (“those who follow the path of the 13 precepts”), founded by Acharya Bhikshu in the 18th century.