Answer

In Jain tradition, many ancient scriptures are believed to have been gradually lost over time, especially the Pūrvas and parts of the Aṅgas.

The most famous lost Jain scriptures are the 14 Pūrvas.

Explanation

According to Jain tradition:

• The original and complete knowledge of Lord Mahāvīra’s teachings was preserved by the early Ganadharas and great Acharyas.
• This knowledge was organized into scriptures known as the Aṅgas and the Pūrvas.
• The 14 Pūrvas contained very deep and vast spiritual knowledge.
• Over time, due to famine, decline in memory, separation of monks, and lack of fully qualified teachers, the Pūrvas were lost.

A major remembered event is the 12-year famine in Magadha. During this difficult period, many monks migrated, and the oral transmission of scriptures was weakened. This contributed to the loss of portions of Jain scriptural knowledge.

Important Clarification

Jain tradition generally describes the scriptures as being lost through decline in oral transmission, famine, and time—not simply as one single scripture that was “burned.”

Some later historical accounts may mention manuscripts being destroyed in fires, invasions, or library burnings, but the traditional Jain explanation for the loss of the earliest scriptures centers on the loss of memorized oral knowledge.

Spiritual Understanding

The loss of the Pūrvas reminds Jains of the importance of:

• preserving scriptural knowledge,
• respecting Jain teachings,
• learning from authentic sources,
• and practicing Dharma while it is available.

Takeaway

The best-known lost Jain scriptures are the 14 Pūrvas. They were not mainly remembered as “burned,” but as gradually lost from human memory and transmission over time.