Yati, historically was the general term for a monk or pontiff in Jainism.^[1]

Jainism

In the late medieval period, yati came to represent a stationary monk, who lived in one place rather than wandering as required for a Jain monk.^[2] The term was more common for the Śvētāmbara monastics, but was also used by the Digambaras. The term has also been occasionally for ascetics from other traditions.^[3]

Some scholars married and were termed sansari yati^[4] or mahātmās.^[5][6]

Some ruling dynasties in Rajasthan had a close relationship with yatis.^[7] Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak mentions that yatis were invited to participate in the discussion on religions.^[8]

The stationary yatis often managed institutions and properties. Some of their residences are termed jatiji in their memory.^[9]

With the re-establishment of orders of wandering (samvegi) monks since late 19th and early 20th century, the number of yatis have declined significantly.^[10][11]

Shripujya

The heads of the institutions of Śvetāmbara yatis were often termed shripujya,^[12] similar to Digambara institutions headed by the Bhattarakas. Only a celibate yati could become a shripujya. They have now been replaced by acharyas who head orders of wandering monks.

Prominent Jain yatis

• Yativṛṣabha, 500-570
• Rajendrasuri who was initiated as a yati and later helped transform the Śvetambara Mūrtipūjaka tradition in 1880.
• Yati Lavaji, the founder of the Sthānakavāsī sect about 1653
• Yati Yatanlal, (1894-1967) freedom fighter. There is an award named after him.^[13]