Āgams (Āgamas) are the canonical scriptures of Jain Dharma. They preserve the teachings of Tirthankar Bhagwan Mahavir as remembered by his Gaṇadhars and passed down through the Jain tradition.

Key points:

• Meaning: “Āgam” means “that which has come down” (the transmitted teaching).
• Language: Mostly in Prakrit (like Ardhamāgadhī), later preserved in written form.
• What they contain: Jain philosophy, vows and conduct for monks, nuns, and laypeople, meditation, karma theory, cosmology, and inspiring narratives that guide one toward moksha.

Two traditional views:

• Śvetāmbara tradition: Recognizes a canon of 45 Āgams, grouped as Anga (11 surviving), Upāṅga, Chedasūtra, Mūlasūtra, Cūlikā, and Prakīrṇaka. The 12th Anga (Dr̥ṣṭivāda) is regarded as lost.
• Digambara tradition: Holds that the original Āgams were lost over time; therefore, they rely on authoritative texts like Ṣaṭkhaṇḍāgama and Kaṣāyapāhuda while maintaining the same Jain principles.

Why they matter:

• They are the foundational guide for right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
• They preserve the spiritual essence of ahimsa, aparigraha, satya, and the full path of liberation.

For a simple overview and lists:

• What are Āgams
• List/number of Āgams (Śvetāmbara view)