In Jainism, eating roots is discouraged mainly to practice and protect non-violence (ahimsa) and to minimize harm to living beings.

• Why roots are avoided: When a root plant (like potatoes, onions, carrots, etc.) is pulled up, a large portion of the plant is removed, which destroys the life that was growing there. In digging and uprooting, many tiny organisms and life forms living in the soil are harmed or killed. The idea is to avoid causing unnecessary injury to jiiva (life).

• Principle behind it: It is part of the broader discipline of ahimsa and the vow to minimize violence. By consuming only non-root foods, many Jain households aim to reduce accidental harm to living beings that inhabit soil, seeds, and plant life.

• Variations between Digambar and Śvetambar: There are differences in practice and emphasis. Generally, both traditions promote non-violence and mindful eating, but Digambar practitioners are often stricter about restrictions on certain foods, while Śvetambar communities may have more regional or community-based guidelines. In all cases, the root-avoidance idea is tied to minimizing harm rather than a mere dietary rule.

If you’d like, I can share more detail from canonical Jain sources or point to specific discussions within the Digambar and Śvetambar traditions.