Here is a simple overview of the main differences between Digambar and Śvetambar in Jainism:

• Name and meaning

- Digambar: “Digambara” means sky-clad. Monks traditionally wear no clothes. - Śvetambar: “Śvetāmbara” means white-clad. Monks traditionally wear white clothes.

• Monastic practice and attire

- Digambar monks: Wear no clothes (renunciation of all possessions including clothing). Digambara tradition emphasizes nudity as a symbol of complete renunciation. - Śvetambar monks: Wear white clothes as a sign of renunciation but keep a more relaxed approach to certain practices in daily life. They also have nuns ( bhikṣuṇīs) who can remain clothed.

• Moksha and gender

- Digambar: Generally hold that women cannot attain moksha (liberation) in their current form and must be reborn as men to achieve kevala jnana and moksha. - Śvetambar: Generally hold that women can attain moksha and have dedicated nuns and female spiritual leaders who pursue liberation.

• Canon and scriptures

- Digambar: Accept a different set of canonical texts (they often regard certain Śvetāmbara scriptures as later or not authoritative in the same way). They emphasize the original teachings as preserved by the Ganadharas and Mahavira. - Śvetambar: Use a different collection of scriptures (traditionally called the Śvetāmbara Agamas) and place emphasis on those texts and their interpretations.

• Iconography and temple practices

- Both traditions honor Mahavira and the Tirthankaras, but there are variations in temple practices, rituals, and the way images are used and worshipped according to each tradition.

• Geographic and community presence

- Digambar and Śvetambar communities are both widespread in India and abroad, but they are more prominent in different regions and have developed distinct temple lineages, monastic codes, and cultural practices over centuries.

Notes

• These differences reflect historical developments and have variations among sub-sects within each tradition.
• Both streams share the core Jain aim: self-purification, non-violence (ahimsa), and liberation (moksha) through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

If you’d like, I can provide more detail on any one point (for example, specific scriptural references or notable figures within each tradition).