Taranapanthis

Taranapantha is a sub-sect of Digambar sect in Jainism. It is named after its founder Tarana-Svami (1448-1515). This sub-sect is also referred by the name Samaiyapantha, owing to the worship of the ‘Sarnaya’ (scriptures) instead of idols.

Taranapanthis strongly detest idol worship. Instead they worship the sacred scriptures, considering the spiritual values exerted by these books as more important. Apart from the sacred books belonging to the Digambar sect, additional 14 manuscripts written by Tarana-Svami are also worshipped. No offerings are done during the worship. There are no elements of religious practices influenced by other religions. Also to be noted is the absence of any caste system in this sub-sect.

Taranapanthis number very few compared to other sects in the Jain religion. They are mostly concentrated in the Bundelkhand region in central India and parts of Maharashtra.