Digambaras

Digambaras are one of the two major Jain monastic traditions, the other being Śvetāmbara. The name means “sky-clad,” reflecting the tradition’s historical practice that male renunciants go naked as a sign of complete renunciation. The Digambara tradition arose from a historic schism with Śvetāmbara adherents in the early centuries of the common era and has since developed its own monastic line, canon, and ritual practices.

Beliefs and practice: Digambara monks and ascetics commit to strict non-violence and renunciation, observing the five great vows and an austere code of conduct. They venerate Mahavira as the 24th Tirthankara and emphasize liberation through intense ascetic discipline. A key doctrinal point is that the complete ideal of renunciation is traditionally associated with male monastics; in classic Digambara doctrine, women are not ordained as monks. Digambaras preserve a separate scriptural tradition and rely on treatises such as Kundakunda's Samayasara and Niyamasara for philosophical authority.

Texts and centers: The Digambara tradition maintains its own corpus of scriptures and commentaries distinct from Śvetāmbara works. Important Digambara writings include the classical philosophy attributed to Kundakunda. Practically, Digambaras participate widely in Jain rituals and pilgrimages, with major centers and temples across northern and western India, including historical sites in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka; Shravanabelagola in Karnataka is a prominent pilgrimage site associated with Digambara tradition.

Modern presence: Today Digambaras form a substantial portion of Jain communities in India and in diaspora communities abroad. They organize monastic orders, lay societies, and charitable institutions, sustaining a distinct tradition within Jainism.