Uttarādhyayan Sūtra (often written “Uttaradhyan Sutra”) is one of the main Jain Āgamas (scriptures) in the Śvetāmbara tradition.

In simple words:

• It is considered the last sermon (antim updesh) of Bhagwān Mahāvīr.
• Mahāvīr Swami is said to have spoken these teachings continuously for about 48 hours at Pavāpurī, just before attaining Nirvāṇa.
• The sutra is divided into 36 chapters (adhyayan/adhyayanas). Each chapter teaches some aspect of right faith, right knowledge and right conduct – such as:

- detachment from worldly things - carefulness in walking, speaking, eating etc. - control of mind, speech and body - importance of a true Guru - how a sadhu and a shravak should live

• For Śvetāmbara Jains, it is one of the most respected scriptures and is often read or listened to especially around Diwali, because Diwali is the day of Mahāvīr’s Nirvāṇa and this text is his final teaching.

Digambar / Śvetāmbara note

• Śvetāmbara: Uttarādhyayan Sūtra is part of their main canon and is regularly studied and recited.
• Digambar: They respect the teachings and stories, but do not accept the present Śvetāmbara Āgama-collection (including Uttarādhyayan) as fully original; they follow other Sanskrit Prakaraṇa-granthas instead. However, the idea that Mahāvīr gave a long final sermon at Pavāpurī before Nirvāṇa is common to both.

In very short: Uttarādhyayan Sūtra = Mahāvīr Bhagwān’s last, 36‑chapter teaching, guiding souls on how to live with right vision, right knowledge and right conduct on the path to mokṣa.