Agamas are original texts of
Jainism based on the discourse of the
tirthankara. The discourse delivered in a
samavasarana (divine preaching hall) is called
Shrut Jnana 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.