In Jainism, there isn’t a single “original” branch that is separate from the rest. The tradition began with the teachings of the Tirthankaras, with Mahavira (the 24th Tirthankara) being the most recently revered teacher in the current cycle. The two main widely practiced Jain denominations, Digambara and Shwetambara, both consider themselves authentic paths within Jain Dharma and both trace their roots to Mahavira and the earlier Tirthankaras.

Key points:

• Jainism as a religion originates from the teachings of the Tirthankaras, with Mahavira as the last-revealed Tirthankara in this era.
• Digambara and Shwetambara emerged as separate traditions over time due to doctrinal and ritual differences, not as new religions.
• Both traditions share core Jain beliefs: ahimsa (non-violence), anekantavada (many-sided reality), and aparigraha (non-attachment), but they differ on certain practices and monastic rules.

If you’d like, I can summarize the main differences between Digambara and Shwetambara in simple terms.