Digambar Jain temples

Prelims – Current events of National Importance

Mains (GS I) – Indian History and Culture

Why in News?

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently demolished most of the Digambar Jain temple, which Digambar Jain Mandir Trust managed in Vile Parle in the city’s western suburbs, Mumbai.

• Digambara Jain temples are significant in the religious landscape of India, particularly for the Digambara sect within Jainism.
• These temples, often referred to as Digambara Jain Mandir.
• These temples features elaborate carvings and sculptures of the 24-four Tirthankaras, are integral to the faith's architecture and cultural practices.
• Sub-sects - Digambara temples can be found in different sub-sects, each with its own distinct rituals and practices, such as Mula Sangh, Terapantha, and Taranapantha.
• Key features - The presence of idols, the use of ashtadravya (eight sacred objects)for worship, and offerings of flowers and fruits, though some sub-sects may substitute these with dried versions.
• Examples - Ellora Caves (Maharashtra) and the Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir in Delhi.

Digambara Sect

• The Digambara sect is one of the two main branches of Jainism, the other being the Shvetambara sect.
• The term "Digambara" literally translates to "sky-clad," referring to the Digambara monks practice of wearing no clothes.
• They believe that renouncing all material possessions, which is essential for achieving liberation.
• Historical Influence - Digambara sect has a significant presence in South-West India, particularly in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
• Text - They does not believe in the existence of original canonical texts.
• Possessions - Digambara monks are allowed only two possessions, a Jainworld states peacock feather whisk (pinchi) for cleaning the path and a water gourd (kamandalu) for drinking water.
• Diet and Eating Practices - Digambara monks eat only once a day in a standing posture, at a single house.

Reference

The Indian Express | Digambar Jain temple