In Jainism, both are real Jains. Not south vs. north, and not Digambar vs. Shwetambar – all who truly follow Jain Dharma are Jains.

1. Who are Digambar and Shwetambar?

• Digambar

- Mostly found in: parts of South India (Karnataka, Maharashtra) and North/Central India too - Muni stay nagn (without clothes) as symbol of total renunciation - Follow Agamas and other texts as preserved in their tradition

• Shwetambar

- Mostly found in: Gujarat, Rajasthan, some parts of North & West India - Muni wear white clothes - Follow Agamas and commentaries as preserved in their tradition

2. Main point: Essence is same

Both:

• Accept the same 24 Tirthankars (including Bhagwan Mahavir)
• Believe in:

- Ahimsa (non‑violence) - Satya, Achaurya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha - Karma theory, rebirth, liberation (moksha)

• Do:

- Darshan of Tirthankar - Pooja, Pratikraman (with some differences in method/words) - Vrats, Paushadh, Paryushan/Das Lakshan etc.

Differences are mostly in:

• External conduct (dress, some rituals)
• Some scriptural details and historical views

But core Jain principles are common.

3. So who are “real Jains”?

• A person is a real Jain not by:

- Clothes - Region (South, North, etc.) - Sub‑sect name

• But by:

- Following Ahimsa, samyak darshan‑gyan‑charitra as taught by the Tirthankars

So, both Digambar and Shwetambar are real Jains, when they sincerely live according to Jain Dharma.