Jainism does not “believe in” the Ramayana in the same way as Hinduism, but it does have its own Ramayana tradition.

Very simply:

1. Yes, there is a Jain Ramayana.

- Jain Acharyas have written their own versions, like: - Paumachariya / Paumacariu (Prakrit) by Acharya Vimalasuri - Padma Purana by Acharya Ravisen (Ravisena) - Ramayan part in Trishashti-Shalaka-Purush Charitra by Acharya Hemachandra - In these, the story of Rama, Sita, Lakshman, Ravana etc. is told in a purely Jain way – according to Jain karma theory, ahimsa and moksha-marg.

1. How is it different from the common (Hindu) Ramayana?

- Rama (often called Padma) is not an avatar of any God; he is a great human soul, one of the 63 Shalaka Purushas. - Lakshman kills Ravana, not Rama – because a future-liberated or very high soul does not do himsa. - At the end, Rama renounces the world, becomes a Jain monk and attains moksha. - The focus is on non‑violence, detachment, right conduct and liberation, not on bhakti to a supreme God or avatar.

1. Digambar and Shvetambar views

- Both accept a Jain Ramayana and count Rama, Lakshman, Ravana, etc. within Jain universal history. - Main story-line is similar (Rama as Padma, Lakshman killing Ravana, Rama’s later renunciation). - Some details and emphasis differ (certain episodes, relationships, description of their final births), but the Jain principles remain the same in both.

So, Jainism does not “follow” the Hindu religious Ramayana as a book of devotion to Rama as God, but it has its own Ramayana literature, where the same characters are used to teach Jain values and the path to moksha.

You can read more on Jain Ramayana and its differences here