Bisapanthas

Bisapantha is a sub-sect of Digambar sect in Jainism. It is believed to be the original form of Digambar sect, which later on got sub-divided into various other sub-sects.

The Bisapantha sub-sect is headed by religious persons called Bhattarakas, who also are the head of the Jain monasteries. The Bisapantha worship the Tirthankars and other deities like Ksetrapala and Padmavati. The idols of these deities are worshipped by offering them saffron, flowers, fruits, sweets and incense sticks. The devotees worship the deities by performing ‘Aarti’ using lamps. During this ceremony they do not stand but maintain their sitting position.

The Bisapantha sub-sect is known for its lax manner. Even in case of the monks there is no strict discipline. This sub-sect has the largest number of followers compared to other sub-sects in the Digambar sect.