Gumanapanthis

Gumanapantha is a relatively lesser known sub-sect of Digambar sect in Jainism. This sub-division, founded by a revered person named Pandit Gumani Rama, flourished during the 18th century in several places around Rajasthan. However the Gumanapanthis are now found in only some places around Jaipur.

Gumanapanthis follow a very strict regime with respect to their religion. Conforming to their religious principles, they practice extreme non-violence. Even burning a candle or lamp is considered as a form of violence. Their temples therefore never feature a lamp or candle. These followers simply worship the idol of their deity, without resorting to any kind of offerings. Their self-disciplined manner and stress on the purity of religious conduct have earned their sect the name ‘shuddha amnaya,’ meaning pure or sacred tradition.