In this vast universe, words may be limited—but their meanings and depth are infinite.
This video is only 15 minutes long, yet the joy and knowledge it offers is eternal and boundless.
🕉 What Is the Chaturvidh Sangh?
The third foundational pillar of Jain Dharma is the Chaturvidh Sangh (Fourfold Religious Order).
This is symbolically illustrated through a unique and sacred diagram called the Anupurvi.
🔢 The Sacred Anupurvi
The Anupurvi consists of 25 boxes, each numbered sequentially from 1 to 25.
No matter which direction you count—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—the total always equals 65, earning it the name “Pansathiyo Yantra” (65 Device).
- The number 1 represents Rishabhdev Swami
- 2 represents Ajitnath Swami
- …and so on until
- 24, which represents Vardhaman Mahavir Swami
When the number 25 is reached, one recites:
“Namo Sanghassa” — Salutations to the Sangh
This symbolizes that after invoking the 24 Tirthankaras, reverence is given to the Sangh, which is considered worthy of veneration just like the Tirthankaras themselves.
📜 Reverence of the Sangh in Jain Scriptures
One of the earliest authors of Jain scriptures, Devardhigani Shraman, began the Nandi Sutra by first praising Lord Mahavir.
But what followed is extraordinary: he then composed elaborate praise for the Sangh—with poetic comparisons and deep emotion.
Why so much reverence for the Sangh?
Because the Sangh is established directly by the Tirthankaras. It serves as a refuge for souls burdened by worldly suffering, offering a path to liberation.
🧘♂️ The Four Parts of the Chaturvidh Sangh
The Chaturvidh Sangh includes:
- Sadhus – Male monks who have renounced household life
- Sadhvis – Female ascetics who live with spiritual discipline
- Shravaks – Male lay followers who practice spiritual discipline while living in society
- Shravikas – Female lay followers who do the same
All four members of the Sangh live with only one goal: liberation (moksha).
Their every thought, word, and deed revolves around the soul (Atma), the Guru, and the Supreme Soul (Paramatma – Arihant and Siddha).
Nothing else holds importance in their life.
🏛 The Leadership Hierarchy of the Sangh
The head of the Sangh is always the Tirthankar Paramatma.
After His nirvana, leadership passes to:
- The Ganadharas (chief disciples)
- Then to the Acharyas
- Then to the Upadhyays (scholarly monks)
Each step has a clearly defined role:
- Ganadharas act as ministers to the Tirthankaras
- Acharyas become ministers to the Ganadharas
- Upadhyays become ministers to the Acharyas
Only those genuinely devoted to spiritual practice are granted entry into this Sangh.
🕊 How One Enters the Chaturvidh Sangh
Whether one is renouncing the world (as a Sadhu/Sadhvi) or remaining in the household (as a Shravak/Shravika), entry into the Sangh begins with Samyak Darshan (Right Faith)—a deep conviction in the teachings of the Tirthankaras.
One must approach the Sangh’s spiritual leaders and:
- Offer heartfelt salutations
- Confess past wrongdoings (Alochana)
- Take vows to abstain from future sins (Pachchakhkhan)
This includes reciting the 5th Shraman Sutra, the Samyak Gun Dharna Sutra, which declares:
“Namo Chauvīsāe Tithayaraṇam Usabhāi Mahāvīra Pajjavasaṇāṇam, Inameva Niggantham Pāvayaṇam Saccam Anuttaram.”
(This path of the 24 Tirthankaras, ending with Mahavir, is the true and supreme one.)
🔍 Understanding Jain Ethics & Principles
After entry, the Sadguru (true Guru) imparts deep knowledge of:
- The 108 virtues of the Panch Parmeshti (Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay, Sadhu/Sadhvi)
- The Nine Tattvas (Soul, Non-soul, Virtue, Sin, etc.)
- The 18 types of sins, like violence, lying, stealing, greed, false beliefs, and slander
- And the varieties of merit (Punya), as uniquely explained in Jain Dharma
Then, based on one’s capacity and intention, the Guru teaches:
- The 12 vows for a Shravak
- Or the 5 Mahavrats for a Sadhu
- Along with codes of conduct such as Jnanachar, Darshanachar, Charitrachar, Tapachar, and Viryachar
🕯 Historical and Present-Day Sangh
Every Tirthankara has established a Chaturvidh Sangh.
For example:
- Mahavir Swami had:
- 14,000 Sadhus
- 36,000 Sadhvis
- 5 lakh Shravaks and Shravikas
In modern times, the structure of Sanghs registered with charitable commissioners serves administrative and community purposes—like building temples or arranging services. But true spiritual entry into the Chaturvidh Sangh still requires personal surrender, devotion, and vows taken before a Sadguru.
🔚 Conclusion
The Chaturvidh Sangh is the spiritual organization founded directly by the Tirthankaras, consisting of:
- Sadhus (male monks)
- Sadhvis (female ascetics)
- Shravaks (male lay followers)
- Shravikas (female lay followers)
Whether through renunciation or household devotion, all members of the Sangh share one focus: spiritual practice and liberation.
It is the Sangh that preserves the living wisdom of the Tirthankaras, the guidance of the Gurus, and the sacred path of the soul.
We offer infinite salutations to this divine and eternal Sangh:
“Namo Sanghassa” – I bow with deep reverence to the Sangh.