The Digambara (Sky-Clad) are a Jainist sect, these are the followers of Bhadrabahu . Digambaras reject the Svetambara faith as untrue to the teachings of Mahavira.
Digambara monks do not wear clothing; however, they do not consider themselves to be nude -- they are wearing the environment. Digambaras believe that practice represents a refusal to give in to the body's demands for comfort and private property -- only Digambara ascetics are required to forsake clothing. Digambara ascetics have only two possessions: a peacock feather broom and a water gourd.
Of the ~6000 Jain nuns, barely 1.5% are Digambaras. (Fisher )
Digambara also has different sects under it such as Saitwal, Lad, Khandelwal, Bagherwal etc. Of these Saitwal is well known and well organized caste of Marathi speaking Jain community. They are high in number. Saitwals are spread all over Maharashtra, South Madhya Pradesh and North Karnatak.
The traditional occupation of Saitwals is tailoring. This is a well educated community and it has given many writers and scholars to entire Jain community. They are progressive and social minded.
Most of their surnames are based on their original villages.
Acharya Aryanandi (nun) is from this community.
References
Last updated: 10-26-2005 09:58:12
