Early Developments
Jain literature traces its roots to the teachings of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, around the 6th century BCE. The earliest Jain texts were orally transmitted and later compiled into written scriptures known as Agamas, forming the foundation of Jain canonical literature.
Originally, the sacred teachings in Jainism were passed down orally, forming a tradition where historical leaders like Mahavira played a crucial role. These teachings were initially compiled into twelve sections called Angas, believed to be organized by Gautama and other principal students of Mahavira, known as Gandhara. The twelfth section included fourteen Purvas, considered as the complete and precise explanation of various aspects of Jain learning, as per legend.
Acharya Bhadrabahu, who lived between 367 – 298 BCE, was the final knower of the full Jain agamas. During the reign of Chandragupta Maurya, he served as the head of the Jain community. The agamas were collected based on the collective memory of ascetics in the first council of Pataliputra, led by Sthulibhadra around 463–367 BCE, following the Svetambara tradition. The council compiled eleven Angas, and the remnants of fourteen purvas were recorded in a 12th Anga.
However, the Digambara order held a different belief, rejecting these scriptures. They considered Acharya Bhutabali from the 1st Century CE as the last ascetic with partial knowledge of the ancient canon. According to the Digambaras, the Purvas and the original Agamas of Gautama were lost during the crises and famine of the Mauryan period.
Literature of Jain Religion
Jainism, an ancient Indian religion, boasts a rich literary tradition that spans languages and centuries. The sacred texts and other literary works of Jainism serve as a guiding light for its followers, offering profound insights into spiritual philosophy and ethical conduct.