2023 - Khartargachha Millennium | Commemorative Coin

The 17th commemorative coin for the year 2023 was released on the occasion of the Khartargachha Sahastrabdi, marking the completion of its 1000 years of foundation by Jaincharya Shri Jineshwar Suri.

Kharatara Gaccha is one of Shvetambara Murtipujaka Gacchas. It is also called the Vidhisangha (the Assembly) or Vidhimarga (Path of Proper Conduct), as they regard their practices as scripturally correct.

Kharatara Gaccha was founded by Vardhamana Sūri (till 1031). His pupil, Jineshvara, got honorary title 'Kharatara' (Sharp witted or Fierce) because he defeated Suracharya, leader of Chaityavasis in public debate in 1023 at Anahilvada Patan. So the Gaccha also got his title. Khartara also means that "which is beyond" (tara) "purity" (khara), that is, being upright with the absolute truth, by following the religious scriptures without deviation (Jain Agamas) as it is. Another tradition regards Jinadatta Suri (1075-1154) as a founder of Gaccha.

In the Khartara tradition, there have been numerous influential and masterly ascetics, who researched and developed extensively in the fields of literature, astrology, history, Ayurveda, right way of perception among various topics that they explored. This includes the right way of meditation, Satya Sadhna, which has been followed by all the ascetics within and beyond the Khartara tradition. These books were not only for Jainism, or even for India, they were meant for the whole world. Jineshvara Sūri, in one of his rules, penned down that every fourth Shreepujya (lead acharya) who is bestowed the virtuous position will be called Jinachandra Sūri, and this 1000 year old tradition is still being followed even now. Jinavallabha realised the difference between texts and words of teachers and put emphasis on sacred texts in Kharatara doctrine in the eleventh century.

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