Jainism itself is one dharma, but over time it became divided into different sampradāyas (sects). The two main ones are:

• Śvetāmbara
• Digambara

How did this division happen?

Very simply:

1. Old migration and separation

Long after Bhagwān Mahavīr (around many centuries later), a severe famine came in Magadh (Bihar side). - Some sadhus and śrāvaks migrated towards South and West India. - Some remained in North India. Because they stayed separated for a long time, their: - ways of living, - methods of worship, - and collections of scriptures slowly became different.

1. Difference about monk’s conduct (especially clothing)

- Digambara (“sky‑clad”) believe a true muni should be completely nude, leaving all possessions. - Śvetāmbara (“white‑clad”) allow white clothes for monks and nuns and still consider it full renunciation.

1. Difference about women’s spiritual path

- Śvetāmbara: women can become kevalī (omniscient) and even Tīrthaṅkarī (like Mallināth Bhagwān). - Digambara: say complete nudity is necessary for final stage, so women cannot become kevalī in that life, but can progress very high and then be born male for final liberation.

1. Difference in scriptures and rituals

- Each side preserved different āgams / granths. - Temple style, moorti style, and rituals (vidhi, pūjā, pratikraman language, etc.) became slightly different.

What is not divided?

The core Jain tattvas are the same in both:

• Belief in 24 Tīrthaṅkars
• Ahiṁsā, Satya, Achaurya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha
• Karma theory, rebirth, moksha
• Anekāntavād (many‑sided truth), Syādvād
• Aim of life = to purify the soul and attain moksha

So, Jainism is “divided” only in external practices and interpretations, but in soul, principles, and goal, it remains one Jain Dharma.