I’ll first explain each in simple words, then briefly list the main differences.

---

1. What is Digambar?

“Digambar” = Dig (directions / sky) + ambar (clothing) Meaning: sky‑clad

Main points:

• Monks’ lifestyle

- Ideal Digambar monk does not wear any clothes. - He keeps only: - a peacock‑feather broom (picchī) - a small water pot (kamandal) - This is to show complete non‑attachment (aparigraha).

• Women and renunciation

- Women do not go sky‑clad. - Traditional Digambar view: for final moksha, a soul has to take birth as a male monk with full Digambar discipline. - So a woman first has to be reborn as a man, then attain moksha.

• Scriptures

- Digambar believe the original Ang‑Agam were lost. - They follow texts like Ṣaṭkhaṇḍāgama, Kaṣāyapāhuḍa and many commentaries of Āchāryas.

• Idols / temples

- Tirthankar idols are nude, very simple and austere, with calm, downcast eyes.

---

2. What is Shwetambar?

“Shwetambar” = Shweta (white) + ambar (clothing) Meaning: white‑clad

Main points:

• Monks’ & nuns’ lifestyle

- Shwetambar monks and nuns wear simple white clothes. - They also keep a small broom (rajoharaṇ / ogha) and a bowl etc. - They also practice non‑attachment, but do not see nudity as compulsory.

• Women and renunciation

- Women can become sādhvī (nuns). - Traditional Shwetambar view: women can attain moksha directly in a female body if they have right faith, right knowledge and right conduct.

• Scriptures

- Shwetambar accept a set of Āgams (Ang‑Agam, Upāṅg, Ched‑sūtra, etc.) as preserved scriptures of Mahavir’s teachings. - They also have many later commentaries and texts.

• Idols / temples

- Tirthankar idols are usually shown with white cloth / ornaments, and with open, prominent eyes. - Temples may look more decorated.

You can read a clear comparison here

---

3. Main differences in one glance

• Clothes of monks

- Digambar: sky‑clad (no clothes). - Shwetambar: white‑clad (white clothes).

• Women & moksha

- Digambar: woman must take birth as a man for final moksha. - Shwetambar: woman can attain moksha in female body also.

• Scriptures

- Digambar: Ang‑Agam considered lost; follow their own preserved texts. - Shwetambar: accept Āgams as preserved canon.

• Murti (idol) style

- Digambar: nude, very plain, downcast eyes. - Shwetambar: clothed/ornamented, open eyes.

• But very important

- Both accept: - same Tirthankars - same main principles – ahimsa, aparigraha, anekantvād, karma, moksha‑marg. - Difference is mainly way of practice, not the basic goal.