Answer

Jain Āgams were not written by one single author.

According to Jain tradition, the Āgams contain the teachings of Bhagwan Mahāvīr, the 24th Tirthankar. These teachings were first heard and preserved by his chief disciples, known as Gaṇadhars.

Explanation

In traditional Jain understanding:

• Bhagwan Mahāvīr gave the divine teachings.
• His Gaṇadhars understood and organized those teachings.
• The teachings were preserved orally for many generations.
• Later, Jain monks compiled and recorded them in written form.

So, the Āgams are considered the sacred scriptures based on the teachings of Bhagwan Mahāvīr, transmitted through the Jain monk tradition.

Important Note

Different Jain traditions have different views about the preservation and availability of the Āgams:

• Śvetāmbara tradition accepts preserved Āgam scriptures.
• Digambara tradition holds that the original Āgams were gradually lost over time.

Takeaway

Jain Āgams are traditionally understood as the teachings of Bhagwan Mahāvīr, preserved by the Gaṇadhars and later compiled by Jain monks.