Digambara

Digambara, meaning “sky-clad” in Sanskrit, is one of the two major sects of Jainism, the other being Svetambara or “white-clad.” Digambara monks traditionally renounce all possessions and wear no clothing, a practice that gives the sect its name. Lay followers, however, may wear ordinary clothes. The tradition is closely associated with nude ascetic practice for male monks; in Digambara practice, women are generally not ordained as monks, a point of doctrinal difference with Svetambaras, who authorize women's renunciation as bhikhasunis.

Doctrine and practice in Digambara Jainism centers on the veneration of the 24 Tirthankaras, non-violence (ahimsa), truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-attachment. Digambaras emphasize severe ascetic discipline and the ritual practice of sallekhana, a voluntary fast unto death under certain circumstances. Canonical literature remains a domain of dispute between the sects: Digambaras maintain that the original Jain scriptures were lost and later preserved by their order, while Svetambaras claim to retain a larger portion of the early Agamas in their canon.

History and geography: The Digambara tradition emerged early in Jain history and remains a major branch of Jainism. It has sizeable communities in western and central India, particularly in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, with followers and temples across other regions as well.

Institutions and monastic life: In Digambara tradition, full monastic initiation is traditionally reserved for men, with female renunciation pursued in different forms outside the male monk order. Digambara monastic practices and rituals follow a lineage distinct from Svetambara practices, reflecting different interpretations of Jain doctrine and scripture.