An Introduction To Jainism: [03] Organization of the Monastic Order

The Monastic Order of Jains was governed by self-discipline. It was divided into nine ganas or sub-divisions. Eleven ganadharas directed these sub- divisions. Seven sub-divisions had a single head each. Indrabhuti, Agnbhuti, Vayubhuti, Vyakta, Sudharma, Mandita and Mauryaputra were the Ganadharas of the first seven ganas respectively. The remaining two were governed by two ganadharas each. Akampita and Achalbharata were the heads of the eighth, and Metarya and Prabhasa of the nineth.

The great nun, Candanabala, headed the nun’s order. Inspired by the teachings of Mahavira, men & women belonging to all the castes, families & classes also became initiated as the members of the order. Several queen of Srenika, the Emperor of Magadha, were initiated as nuns. Many other queens, princesses & wives of the feudal lords & merchants also joined the order of nuns. The head nun Candanabala was herself a princess.

At the time of Mahavira, the administration of the order was in charge of several office-holders.

1.	Acarya	He directed the organization & taught the sutra (text of the scriptures) & their meaning to the monks & nuns.
2.	Upadhyaya	He is responsible for imparting the knowledge.
3.	Sthavira	He was responsible for the spiritual progress of the initiated monks.
4.	Pravrtini	She looked after the nun’s affairs.
5.	Gani	He led the small groups of the monks.
6.	Ganadhara	He managed the journeys on foot undertaken by nuns.
7.	Ganavacchedaka	He looked after the spreading of the mission & the development of the order.
8.	Pravataka	He looked after the management.

The monks & nuns holding different posts fulfilled their responsibilities. The administration of the monastic order was run on the pattern of the republican state.