In very simple words, “Āgam” means the original teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir, as remembered and arranged by his main disciples (Gaṇdhar).

Because of history, the Śvetāmbara and Digambar traditions talk about the “canon” a bit differently, so I’ll explain both separately.

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1. Śvetāmbara view – Structure of Āgams

Śvetāmbara tradition says many of Mahavir Bhagwan’s teachings are preserved as 45 Āgam granths (scriptures). They are grouped in a simple structure:

(A) Aṅa Āgams – Main Core Texts

• These are like the main books of Mahavir’s teaching.
• Originally 12 Aṅas, now 11 are available in Śvetāmbara tradition.
• They contain:

- Life and teachings of Tirthankars - Rules for monks and nuns - Philosophy, karma, vows, conduct, etc.

You can think: Aṅa = Main body of scriptures.

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(B) Aṅa‑bāhya Āgams – Supporting / Outer Texts

These are texts connected to the Aṅas, like detailed notes, explanations, and related topics. Śvetāmbaras usually group them like this:

1. Upāṅa Āgam (12)

- “Upāṅa” means secondary parts. - They support and expand on the main Aṅas. - Contain stories, examples, descriptions of karma, cosmos, etc.

1. Chedasūtra (6)

- These are mainly about discipline rules for monks and nuns. - What is allowed / not allowed, how to deal with faults (prāyaścitta), etc.

1. Mūlasūtra (4)

- “Mūl” means root. - These are basic texts learned first by new monks/nuns. - They cover: - Basic conduct - Short stories with moral lessons - Simple philosophy

1. Cūlikā‑sūtra (2)

- “Cūlikā” = additional / appendix type - They add special teachings – for example, deeper philosophy and practices like meditation, right faith, etc.

1. Prakīrṇaka (10)

- “Prakīrṇaka” means miscellaneous. - These are shorter texts on specific topics: - Samayik (meditative equanimity) - Vows - Pooja and rituals - Reflections on death, etc.

So, in layman terms:

• Aṅa Āgams = Main books
• Upāṅa = Extra explanation books
• Chedasūtra = Rule‑book for monks/nuns
• Mūlasūtra = Beginner root texts
• Cūlikā‑sūtra = Special additional texts
• Prakīrṇaka = Small topic-wise booklets

All together, Śvetāmbara count them as 45 Āgams.

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2. Digambar view – Canon lost, different structure

Digambar tradition believes:

• The original 12 Aṅas and 14 Pūrvas (even older, deeper texts)

were all lost over time due to calamities, famines, and lack of memorisation.

• So, what we have today are later works by Acharyas, based strictly on the original teachings, but not called “Āgam” in the same sense.

Instead of “45 Āgams”, Digambaras talk of 4 Anuyogas (four types of literature):

1. Prathamanuyoga – Story literature

- Life stories of Tirthankars, Chakravartis, great shravaks/shravikas - Example: Ādipurāṇa, Padmacharitra, etc. - Aim: inspire faith and devotion.

1. Karaṇānuyoga – Cosmology & karma

- Describes: - Structure of universe - Time-cycles - Details of karma, rebirth, etc. - Example: Trilokasāra, Tiloyapaṇṇatti.

1. Dravyānuyoga – Pure philosophy

- Talks about: - 6 dravyas (substances) - Soul, karma, bondage, liberation - Example: Ṣaṭkhaṇḍāgama, Pañcāstikāya, Samayasāra, etc.

1. Caraṇānuyoga – Conduct and discipline

- Practical code of conduct: - Vows for monks and householders - Rules of daily life, ethics, etc. - Example: Mulachara, Bhaktamara’s commentarial tradition, etc.

So, in simple terms for Digambar:

• They accept that the original “Āgam texts” are lost,
• And they follow a huge set of later scriptures, neatly arranged into:

- Stories - Cosmology/karma - Philosophy - Conduct

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Very simple summary

• “Āgam” = Mahavir Bhagwan’s teaching as a scripture.
• Śvetāmbara:

- Say many Āgams still exist. - Arrange them as: - Aṅa (main) - Upāṅa, Chedasūtra, Mūlasūtra, Cūlikā, Prakīrṇaka (supporting).

• Digambar:

- Say original Aṅas & Pūrvas are completely lost. - Use later texts grouped into 4 Anuyogas (story, cosmology, philosophy, conduct) instead of talking of “45 Āgams”.

This is the basic structure in simple, easy language.