Answer

The Shvetambar–Digambar division did not happen in one single moment. It developed gradually over time, mainly because of differences in monastic practice, scriptural acceptance, and historical circumstances.

Explanation

According to the traditional Jain account:

• There was a severe famine in ancient India.
• Acharya Bhadrabahu and many monks went to South India.
• Another group remained in the north under Acharya Sthulabhadra.
• Over time, differences grew between the two groups.

The major differences became:

• Monastic clothing

- Digambar monks follow complete renunciation and remain unclothed. - Shvetambar monks wear white clothes.

• Scriptures

- Shvetambar tradition accepts the Jain Agamas in a preserved form. - Digambar tradition believes the original complete scriptures were gradually lost.

• Ascetic discipline and interpretation

- Both traditions follow Jain Dharma, but they developed different ways of understanding and practicing renunciation.

Spiritual Understanding

This division is a historical and disciplinary split, not a split in the core Jain values.

Both traditions accept:

• the 24 Tirthankars
• ahimsa
• karma
• moksha
• the path of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct

So, the heart of Jain Dharma remains the same in both traditions.

Takeaway

The Shvetambar and Digambar divide happened gradually due to history, geography, and differences in practice and scripture. But both remain authentic branches of Jain Dharma, rooted in the same spiritual goal: liberation of the soul.