Salutations. Here is a simple way to approach finding your gaccha/sampradaya when you don’t have written records.

• Understand the two basics first

- Gaccha/sampradaya is mainly about the lineage of teachers (gurus) you follow and the Jain community tradition you belong to (primarily Digambar or Shwetambar). - Since you identify as Digambar, focus on Digambar gacchas and their typical lineages, while keeping in mind that local practice can vary by region.

• Talk to trusted elders and temple authorities

- Visit the nearest Digambar Jain temple or Jain sangh and speak with the senior priests or trustees. They often know which gaccha lineages are active in that area and can trace a family’s guru-lineage through oral history. - Ask about notable Digambar gacchas that have historical presence in your region. Elders may recall teachers (gurus) who served your family or village.

• Check what rituals and texts you follow

- Some gacchas have particular ritual calendars, fasting practices, or ceremonial observances. If you notice a distinct pattern in how you were taught to observe festivals, fasting, or vrata, that can be a hint toward a gaccha. - If you are familiar with any local priests or tutors who taught you childhood prayers or mantras, document their names; these can align with certain lineages.

• Look for community associations and events

- Local Jain organizations, school groups, or temple committees sometimes publish guides to the different gacchas present in the area. - Attend a few community events or lectures and listen for references to a specific gaccha or guru-lineage.

• Collect any family memories you can

- Even if you don’t have formal records, write down the names of teachers, temples, or rituals you recall from childhood. - Ask relatives or older family friends who might remember the guru who initiated or educated your family in Jain practices.

• Seek clarification from a Jain scholar or monk

- If you can meet a learned Digambar monk or a scholar familiar with regional gacchas, they can help you map your oral history to a likely gaccha lineage.

• Be open to multiple possibilities

- In many communities, individuals may identify with a broader Digambar tradition while following a local gaccha more closely. If there is ambiguity, acknowledge that different sub-traditions exist within Digambar and that precise identification sometimes needs formal confirmation.

If you’d like, I can help you frame a short, respectful note you can use when you approach temple authorities or elders to inquire about your gaccha.