Acharya Bhikshu/ Acharya Bhikhanji/ Saanwaria Swamiji

As Acharya Bhikhanji laid stress on the 13 religious principles, namely, (i) five Mahavratas (great vows), (ii) five samitis (regulations) and (iii) three Guptis (controls  or restraints) his sub-sect was known as the Tera (meaning thirteen) panth sub-sect.  In this connection it is interesting to note that two other interpretations have been given for the use of the term Terapanth for the sub-sect. According to one account, it is mentioned that as there were only 13 monks and 13 laymen in the panth when it was founded, it was called as Tera (meaning thirteen) panth. Sometimes another interpretation of the term Terapanth is given by its followers. Tera means yours  and panth means path; in other words, it means,

 

 

 1st Page of Letter of Conduct written by Jain Swetamber Terapanth First Spiritual Head Acharya Bhiksu in Rajasthani Language nearly 200 years ago

 2nd Page of Letter of Conduct written by Jain Swetamber Terapanth First Spiritual Head Acharya Bhiksu in Rajasthani Language nearly 200 years ago

Though gold is invaluable by itself it yet needs to be tested and molded by fire to win the admiration and appreciation of the masses. Similarly the life of Acharya  Bhikshu was  a prodigy of ups and downs that tested and molded him to become a supreme individual. While in the first half of the life, he faced ordeals and difficulties, the second half reveals (unfolds) the success and accomplishments.

Acharya Bhikshu had a very broad vision who was far ahead of his times.  He rose above the present conditions of the society and strived to present an  example  to the people of all times of a life of discipline and truth. In pursuit of this objective, he sacrificed material goals, honor and luxuries. He  revolutionized  the various principles which had become meaningless with the  passing of  time and gave conception and birth to these tenements. He visualized a systematic, well established  and orderly religious sect and saw it taking shape through Terapanth.  To organize and stabilize this religious order he propagated the ideology of one guru and brought to an end the concept of self discipleship.  In this way his ideology of one Acharya, one principle, one thought and similar thinking became the ideal  for other religious sects.Acharya Bhikshu showed the way from desire to desirelessness.  He said the common man should understand and practice true religion which would take him to the path of salvation.