Which is the main text of Jainism
In Jainism, there is not just one “main text” like a single Bible or Qur’an. Instead, Jain Dharma is based on a collection of scriptures.
In simple terms:
- The main scriptures are called “Āgams” (Agamas).
- For Śvetāmbara Jains, the core among these are the 11 Aṅgāgams (Angas) – these are treated as the primary canonical texts.
- Digambar Jains believe that the original Āgams have been lost, so they do not accept the present Angas as fully authentic.
So, properly speaking:
- Main Jain scriptures = Āgams (Agamas)
- Different Jain sects (Śvetāmbara and Digambar) emphasize different main texts within that tradition.
You can read a simple explanation of Āgams here and about their number here