Kharatara Gaccha is one ofŚvetāmbaraMurtipujakaGacchas. It is also called theVidhisangha (the Assembly) orVidhimarga (Path of Proper Conduct), as they regard their practices as scripturally correct.^[1][2][3]

Kharatara Gaccha was founded by Vardhamana Sūri^[2] (till 1031 CE). His pupil, Jineshvara (the author ofNivvāṇalīlāvaīkahā), got honorary title 'Kharatara' (Sharp witted or Fierce) because he defeated Suracharya, leader of Chaityavasis in public debate in 1024 CE at AnahilvadaPatan. So the Gaccha also got his title.^[2] Khartara also means that "which is beyond" (tara) "purity" (khara), that is, being upright with the absolute truth, by following the religious scriptures without deviation (Jain Agamas) as it is. Another tradition regards Jinadatta Suri (1075―1154) as a founder of Gaccha.^[2][4]

Jinavallabha realised the difference between texts and words of teachers and put emphasis on sacred texts in Kharatara doctrine in the eleventh century. He wrote theCrown of Assembly.^[1]

The following four are known asDada Guru in the sect and are venerated as spiritual guides.^[5]

• Jinadatta Sūri (1075―1154 CE), is the most famous ascetic of Gaccha who won converts inSindh. After his death atAjmer, a monument was erected there and the place is known asDadabari.^[1][5]
• Maṇidhārī Jinachandra Sūri (1140―1166 CE)^[5]
• Jinakushal Sūri (1279–1331) gained many converts in western India.^[1][5]
• Jinachandra Sūri II (1537―1612) visitedLahore in 1591, where he convincedAkbar to stop Muslim attack on Jain temples.^[1][5]

Kharatara ascetics regard their practices as scripturally correct. They follow basicŚvetāmbara canon and works of other Kharatara teachers.^[1]

Ascetics: 193 nuns, 19 monks in 1986^[1] or 50-75 monks and 300 nuns.^[2] Large number of its lay followers reside inRajasthan andWest Bengal states of India.^[2][1]

Several members of Kharatara Gaccha were notable writers:

• Abhayachandra (before 1500 CE), a pupil of Ananda-raya, wrote aPrakrit-language astrological treatise titledUlluntha-vadi-mukha-kilaka.^[6]
• Kshama-kalyana, a pupil of Amrta-dharma, wroteDvadasha-masa-vyakhyana^[7]
• Jina-prabha-suri (c. 1261-1333) wrote a number of works, including theVividha Tirtha Kalpa^[8]
• Jina-ratna-suri (13th century) wroteLilavati-sara^[9]

• Tapa Gaccha
• Tristutik Gaccha
• Jain schools and branches

• Śvetāmbara sects

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