Jain Agamas

Agamas are original texts of Jainism based on the discourse of the tirthankara. The discourse delivered in a samavasarana (divine preaching hall) is called Śhrut Jnāna and comprises eleven angas and fourteen purvas. The discourse is recorded by Ganadharas (chief disciples), and is composed of twelve angas (departments). It is generally represented by a tree with twelve branches. This forms the basis of the Jaina Agamas or canons. These are believed to have originated from Rishabhanatha, the first tirthankara.

The earliest versions of Jain Agamas known were written in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit language.

Name

Agama is a Sanskrit word which signifies the 'coming' of a body of doctrine by means of transmission through a lineage of authoritative teachers.

History

The teachings of Mahavira were orally compiled by his disciples into various Sutras (texts) which were collectively called Jain canonical or Agamic literature. Traditionally these sutras were orally passed on from teachers (acharyas) to the disciples for several centuries. Digambara, the older sect of Jainism rejects the authority of the Agamas known today. They believe that by the time of Dharasena, the twenty-third teacher after Indrabhuti Gautama, knowledge of only one Anga was there. This was about 683 years after the nirvana of Mahavira. Disciples of Dharasena, Pushpadanta and Bhutabali composed Satkhandagama on the basis of this knowledge.