Which Book Is the Holy Scripture of Jainism?

Asked as: “which book is regarded as the holy scripture of jainism”

332 views Asked 23 August, 2025

Quick Answer

The holy scriptures of Jainism are the Āgamas, which are considered the ultimate source of knowledge and religious doctrine in Jain tradition.

Detailed Answer

In Jainism, the Āgamas constitute the canonical texts that hold the highest authority and are regarded as the holy scriptures. These texts contain the teachings of the Tirthankaras, especially Mahavira, and cover a wide range of topics including philosophy, ethics, cosmology, and theology. The Āgamas are the foundation of Jain religious knowledge and practice, guiding the spiritual and ethical lives of Jains. They are preserved and studied by the Jain community as the authentic and sacred literature that embodies the path to liberation (moksha).

The Āgamas are composed in Prakrit and form the core of the Jain canon, with different sects (such as Digambara and Śvētāmbara) having variations in the specific texts included. Nonetheless, the reverence for the Āgamas as the holy scripture remains a common feature across Jain traditions. These scriptures are not merely textual but are also the basis for rituals, monastic discipline, and community norms within Jainism.

Related: Who Wrote Holy Abu? Muni Jayantvijay's Guide to Abu

Source References

This answer is generated by JainGPT and grounded in primary Jain scriptures, commentaries and scholarly texts from our digitised library. See the cited references below and our editorial standards.

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