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Gaccha, alternatively spelled asGachchha, is a monastic order, along with lay followers, of the idol worshippingMurtipujakaŚvetāmbara sect ofJainism.
Gaccha literally means "who travel together".[1]
According to Jain tradition, in the first century, Vajrasensuri established fourKulas, subdivisions within the Swetambara Murtipujaka Jain community, to divide the community during time of drought to disperse them. They were: Chandra, Nirvriti, Vidyadhar and Nagendra. During 1000 to 1300 CE, the Gaccha replaced theseKula as basic divisions of community.
Although some 84 separate gacchas have appeared since the 7th–8th century, only a few have survived, such as theKharatara, theTapa, theAchal, the Paichand orParshwachandra Gaccha. While the gacchas do not differ from one another in matters of doctrine, they do differ on issues of practice, in particular those practices relating to the sacred calendar and to ritual. The various gacchas also trace their descent through different lineages.
The number of 84 Gacchas is still spoken of by the Jains, but the lists that have been hitherto published are very discordant. TheUpkeśa Gaccha is, historically, the oldest of all. It is also the only one of the 84gacchas that follows the lineage ofParshvanatha.[2][3][4] The rest follow the lineage ofMahavira. The following was obtained from a member of the sect as being their recognized list,--and allowing for differences of spelling, nearly every name may be recognized in those previously published by Mr. H. G. Briggs or Colonel Miles.[5]
The eighty fourgacchas of the Jains:[6]
Tapa Gaccha was founded by Jagatchandrasuri inVikram Samvat 1285 (1229 CE). He was given the title of "Tapa" (i.e., the meditative one) by the ruler ofMewar. It was a branch of theBrihad Gaccha founded by Udyotan Suri. Vijaydevsuri (1600–1657 AD) is considered one of major leader of lineage. They reformed monastic order of Śvetāmbara Jainism. As a result of this reform, most Śvetāmbara Jain monks today belong to Tapa Gaccha.[1]
Kharatara Gaccha was founded by Vardhamana Suri[7] (till 1031). His teacher was a temple-dwelling monk. He rejected him because of not following texts.[8][7] His pupil, Jineshvara, got honorary title 'Kharatara' (Sharp witted or Fierce) because he defeated Suracharya, leader of Chaityavasis in public debate in 1023 at AnahilvadaPatan. So the Gaccha got his title. Another tradition regards Jinadatta Suri (1075-1154) as a founder of Gaccha.[7]
Achal Gaccha, also known as theVidhipakṣa orAnchal Gaccha (Hindi:अचलगच्छ or अंचलगच्छ) is one of the four existing Gacchas and one of the 84gacchas of theŚvetāmbaraMurtipujaka sect ofJainism.[9][10] It was founded byAcharya Aryarakshitsuri in 1079 CE.Currently, Acharya Kalāprabhasāgarsuri is thegacchadhipati of Achal Gaccha who was declared as Gunodayasāgarsuri's successor after his demise in 2020. Acharya Kalāprabhasāgarsuri was formally coronated as thegacchadhipati of Achal Gaccha in 2022 inMulund.[11]
Other gaccha isParshwachandra Gaccha.
Adhishthayak Deva or presiding deities are protector deities of followers of each Gaccha. They are as follows:Manibhadra Vira of Tapa Gaccha;Ambika and Bhairava of Khartara Gaccha;Kalika andChakreshvari of Achal Gaccha; Nakoda Batuk Bhairava of Parshwachandra Gaccha.[12]
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