Murtipujaka

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Murtipujaka is also known as Deravasi and is a term for a sect of Jainism which includes most members of the Shvetambar sect.

Murtipujaka differ from the Sthanakvasi division of the sect in that they go to a temple (derasar) instead of a sthanak and the pray towards the idol of Jain Tirthankar. They may or may not believe that siddhas, or liberated souls, have a form whereas Sthanakvasi Jains nearly always believe that do not.

Also, Murtipujaka monks use the muhapatti, a piece of cloth over the mouth, during prayer, not wear permanently like Sthanakvasi and Terapanthi. There are more Murtipujaka Jains other than Sthanakvasi Jains in India.