why 9 ang
In Jain Dharma, “9 Ang” usually refers to the 9 Ang Agams that are specially accepted in the Shwetambar tradition as part of the original Jain canon.
Why 9 Ang?
Because the Ang Agams are the principal limbs of the Jain scriptures, and in the present Shwetambar scriptural tradition, 9 Angs are recognized as preserved and available.They are:
- Acharanga
- Sutrakritanga
- Sthananga
- Samavayanga
- Bhagavati
- Jnatadharmakatha
- Upasakadasa
- Antakritdasha
- Anuttaropapatikdasha
Important point
Traditionally, there were 12 Angs in Jain scripture. But in the current age, the last three Angs are considered lost in their complete form, so only 9 Angs remain recognized in full availability.In simple words
9 Angs are accepted because they are the currently preserved core Ang scriptures of Jain canon, especially in the Shwetambar tradition.If you want, I can also explain why there are 12 Angs in Jainism and which 3 are missing.