AAGAM SHASTRA
The sacred scriptures of Jainism
THE TIMELESS WISDOM
Jain Aagams are the sacred scriptures of Jainism – the texts that encapsulate the infinite wisdom expounded by Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar of Jainism. After attaining kevlagnan or omniscience, Bhagwan Mahavir illuminated the world with knowledge that transcended the past, present and future, encompassing every possible subject of the whole universe. The vast knowledge was then assimilated by his disciples, the Gandhars and the Acharyas, into Aagam scriptures. During Bhagwan Mahavir’s presence, there were countless Aagams. But with time, this legacy of wisdom slowly and gradually started depleting. Today, the world has preciously conserved 32 of these Aagams as per the Sthankwasi Tradition and 45 of them as per the Derawasi Tradition.
These are the core texts, the direct preachings of Parmatma Mahavir that were weaved into scriptures by his chief disciples – the Gandhars. They are also known as the Dwadashangi Ganipitak or the eternal 12 texts of wisdom. The twelfth sutra has been lost with time; there are 11 Ang Sutras with us today.
These are the subsidiary texts, the scriptures which have been derived from the core Ang Sutras. These scriptures have been created by Acharya Bhagwants, and there are numerous Upaang Sutras, of which 12 texts are with us today.
These texts reveal the fundamentals of Jainism, just like the roots of a tree. Mool Sutras contain profound insights on life-transforming lessons shared by Bhagwan Mahavir.
These are distinctive scriptures formulated specially for the conduct of ascetics. While in sadhana, if a seeker commits faults or mistakes, Chhed Sutras throw light on well-defined corrective measures and forms of repentance for self-improvement.
Avashyak Sutra is an independent Sutra that has been mandated as ‘a must’ for laymen and ascetics alike. It highlights spiritual practices for daily inner cleansing and sadhanas for daily self-purification.
EXPLORE
LIBRARIES & JAIN CENTRES
The Jain Aagams, originally written in the Aradhamagadhi Prakrit script, have been meticulously translated into Indian scripts like Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Kannada, Tamil and more by Sadhu-Sadhvijis over the last centuries. With the inspiration and blessings of Param Gurudev Shree Namramuni Maharaj Saheb, a pathbreaking effort is being made to conserve these precious scriptures for the coming generations. The Jain Aagams are being translated into English for global accessibility, with absolute authenticity being preserved by highly educated Jain sadhu-sadhvijis and distinguished scholars and experts.
The first of these Aagams, Shree Upasakdashang Sutra, has been launched in 2024 and is now available for purchase.
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THE INSPIRATION
The Jain Aagam Mission is inspired and led by Rashtrasant Param Gurudev Shree Namramuni Maharaj Saheb, a renowned Jain spiritual leader and the founder of Parasdham.
Param Gurudev's profound knowledge of these sacred Aagam scriptures, his contemplation on the sutras in the form of Vachanis and his insightful expositions on these Shastras unveiling their deepest secrets are a treasure of wisdom that help one interweave timeless spiritual wisdom into daily life to experience positivity, prosperity and peace. The Jain Aagam Mission initiative inspired by Param Gurudev aims to take this legacy of Bhagwan Mahavir's wisdom to every home and heart across the world.
Veer Samvat
Veer Samvat
Under the patronage of Emperor Chandragupt Maurya
An effort to collectively read, conserve and preserve the sacred scriptures.
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Veer Samvat
500 Acharyas come together under the leadership of Acharya Devardhigani Kshamashraman
To write down the sacred texts which had so far been preserved through oral transmission. The council lasted for 12 and a half years.
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Veer Samvat
With the blessings of Tapsamrat Pujya Gurudev Shree Ratilalji Maharaj Saheb
Apurva Shrut Aradhika Pujya Shree Lilambai Mahasatiji undertook the herculean efforts of translating the Aagams into Gujarati, a mission that took 11 long years.
Veer Samvat
Veer Samvat
With Param Gurudev Shree Namramuni Maharaj Saheb's guidance and inspiration
The Global Jain Aagam Mission translated the very first Jain Aagam in English – Shree Upasakdashang Sutra.