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Jaina Canonical Literature
Each and every religion has its own canons or sacred books. The sacred books of Jainas are known as āgama. Jaina āgamas are composed in Prakrit language, which has various forms or shades such as Māgadhi, Ardhamāgadhī, Pāli, Paiśācī, Sauraseni, Mahārāstrī, etc.
Jaina canonical literature is found in Ardhamāgadhi and Saurasenī Prakrit. The Svetāmbara canons are found in Ardhamāgadhi with some impact of Mahārāstrī, while the Digambara cannons are found in Sauraseni Prakrit with some impact of Mahārāstrī Prakrit, which is also known as Jaina-Sauraseni.
Most of the Jaina canonical literature was composed in between 5th century B.C. to 3rd century A.D. Though there are some works such as Nandisūtra, present edition of the Praśnavyākarana sūtra and Antakrtddaśānga of Svetārbara tradition and Şackhandāgama of Digambara tradition along with some other works of Digambara Ācāryas, which were composed after the 3rd century A.D. No doubt some interpolations and changes took place at the time of the Māthurī and Valabhi councils, when the Āgamas, after final editing, were given the shape of book. These interpolations and changes are clearly traceable.
According to Svetāmbara tradition, five councils (vācanās) were held at different places for the compilation and editing of the canonical works, particularly for the Ardhamāgadhi canons of Śvetāmbara tradition. Though the Digambara tradition does not accept the validity of these councils as well as works compiled in these councils. The first council was held at Pāțalīputra in 3rd century B.C. The second council was held in 1st century B.C under the
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