Kharatara

Jainist sect

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June 30, 2026

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The Kharatara Gaccha is a monastic subsect within the Shvetambara sect of Jainism. Founded in the 11th century, it is one of the surviving gacchas, with a significant presence in Rajasthan.12

Gacchas are groups of monks and their lay followers who trace their lineage to prominent monastic teachers. While they share core Jain doctrines, they differ on practices, particularly concerning the sacred calendar and rituals. The Kharatara Gaccha, like other gacchas, includes lay followers and claims to represent true Jainism, often seeking to reform monastic practices.12

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gaccha
…have survived, such as the Kharatara (located mainly in Rajasthan), the Tapa, and the Ancala. 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…
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…have survived, such as the Kharatara (located mainly in Rajasthan), the Tapa, and the Ancala. 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…
Read More