Terapanthi is a sub-sect of
Digambar sect in
Jainism. This sub-sect was formed when some followers belonging to the Bisapanthi sub-sect rebelled against the dominion of the religious leaders called Bhattarakas.
Their rebellious nature forced the Terapanthis to follow customs contradictory to those followed by the Bisapanthis. For instance, their temples contain the idols of only the Tirthankars but not of other deities. The idols are worshipped with offerings like cloves, sandalwood, almonds, dry coconuts, dates and a sacred variety of rice called ‘aksata’, instead of flowers, fruits and vegetables offered by the Bisapanthis. They detest from performing any religious rites, which they consider against the principles of the Jain religion. While worshipping they stand and do not sit like their rivals.
Terapanthis are mostly concentrated in and around Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
