Aagam 18 JAMBUDWIP PRAGYPTI Moolam Evam Vrutti - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Aagam 18 JAMBUDWIP PRAGYPTI Moolam evam Vrutti," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Aagam 18 JAMBUDWIP PRAGYPTI Moolam evam Vrutti Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar Publisher: Deepratnasagar Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004118/1

Overall Nature of the Text:

This text is identified as an Upanga Sutra (specifically the 7th Upanga) within the Jain Agamas, titled "Jambudvipa Prajnapti." It is presented in its original form (Moolam) along with a commentary (Vrutti) by Shanti Chandra. The publication aims to preserve and make accessible the ancient Jain scriptures.

Publisher's Note and Compilation Effort (Page 4):

The publisher, Muni Diperatnasagar, explains the lineage of this specific publication. It was initially published in 1920 (Vikram Samvat 1976) by Devchand Lalbhai Jain Pustakoddar, with Acharya Shri Anandasagar Surishwarji (Sagananda Suriji) Maharaj Saheb as the editor. Muni Diperatnasagar highlights instances where later publications used the same foundational text but altered the attribution, sometimes removing the original editor's name or claiming the entire work. His current effort involves rescanning and reformatting the original edited version by Anandasagar Surishwarji. The goal is to present the Agam with clear numbering of Vakshaskaras (chapters/sections) and Moolasutras on each page for ease of reading. He also mentions including a 'Deep Anukram' for referencing across various Jain Agama publications and notes the presence of footnotes for clarification. The publication is currently an internet publication with plans for future printing.

Content Overview (Based on the Index on Page 3):

The "Jambudvipa Prajnapti" is structured into seven Vakshaskaras (sections/chapters), each delving into specific aspects related to Jambudvipa, the central continent in Jain cosmology. The primary focus appears to be on geographical, cosmological, and biographical details within the Jain universe.

Vakshaskara 1: Focuses on the measurement, structure, form, extent, celestial gateways (Gavaksha), special platforms (Padmavedika), forest divisions (Vankhanda), gateways (Vijayadwara), capital cities, the location, measurement, and divisions of Bharat Kshetra, and the Vaitadhya mountain range. It also includes descriptions of Siddhayatana (celestial temples).
Vakshaskara 2: Discusses the concept of time (Kal), including Ava-sarpini (descending cycle) and Utsarpini (ascending cycle) epochs. It explains concepts like Palyopama and Sagaropama (units of time), describes Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling trees), and discusses the six types of time and the beings residing in them, including the description of Rishabhadeva and the Ashtahnika festival on Nandiśvara Dvipa.
Vakshaskara 3: Explains the reason for the name "Bharat," the city of Vinitanagari, the life of Chakravarti Bharat, the origin of the Chakra-ratna (celestial discus), the conquest of the six continents, the blessings received, the fourteen Ratnas (celestial jewels), their functions and origins, and details about Bharat Chakravarti's treasures, deities, kings, army, villages, etc.
Vakshaskara 4: Describes the Chullahimavanta and Varshadhara mountain ranges, the Padmadraha (lotus lake), the Padmas, the rivers Ganga and Sindhu, various Kutas (peaks/shrines), Hemavanta, Harivarsha, Mahavideha, Kuru, Ramya, and other regions. It also discusses the Vaitadhya, Nishadha, Nila, Rukmi, and Himavan mountains.
Vakshaskara 5: Details the ritual of Jinabhishek (consecration of a Jina's birth), the celestial maidens (Dik-kumari), the arrival of Indra, Pandakavana, and the Abhishek-shila (consecration altar) named Sughosha Ghanta.
Vakshaskara 6: Covers various elements and regions situated within Jambudvipa, including year-regions (Varsha-kshetras), mountains, Kutas, Tirthas (holy places), caves, lakes, and rivers.
Vakshaskara 7: Focuses on celestial bodies like the Moon, Sun, stars, and planets within Jambudvipa, their orbits, dimensions, diameters, circumferences, and distances. It also describes the solar and lunar orbits and the constellations, as well as different types of years and the great beings (like Tirthankaras) associated with them.

Key Features Highlighted:

Scholarly Commentary: The text is presented with the Vrutti of Shanti Chandra, providing detailed explanations.
Historical Context: The publication details its origin and the editorial efforts, emphasizing the importance of accurate scriptural transmission.
Accessibility: The inclusion of indices, footnotes, and clear section/verse numbering aims to make the complex text more accessible to scholars and students of Jainism.
Scope: The content covers a vast range of cosmological, geographical, historical, and biographical information pertinent to the Jain understanding of the universe, particularly focusing on the central continent, Jambudvipa.

Summary of the Beginning of Vakshaskara 1 (Pages 5-17):

The initial pages introduce the text, the lineage of the commentary, and the editorial efforts. They then transition into the Prastavana (introduction) for the text.

Manglik Gatha (Benedictory Verses): The text begins with devotional verses (Manglik Gatha) paying homage to the Tirthankaras and the lineage of Acharyas, invoking blessings.
Naming of the Text: The author explains the meaning of "Jambudvipa Prajnapti," likely referring to the knowledge or exposition of Jambudvipa.
Anuyoga Dvara: The text delves into the concept of Anuyoga Dvara (methodological access points to the scripture), which are outlined as Upakrama (introduction), Nikshepa (classification), Anugama (analysis), and Naya (perspective). These are presented as crucial for understanding the scripture's profound meaning.
Purpose of the Text: It is stated that the scripture aims to provide clear knowledge of the Jambudvipa and its components, which is essential for spiritual progress.
Relevance of Upanga: The text clarifies the relationship between Angas (primary scriptures) and Upangas (secondary scriptures), explaining that Upangas expand upon parts of the Angas. The Jambudvipa Prajnapti is identified as an Upanga of the sixth Anga, Sthanaṅga, or alternatively related to Sthānāṅga and Jñaatādharmakathāṅga.
Discourse on Mangala (Auspiciousness): The text discusses the importance of Mangala (auspicious invocations) at the beginning, middle, and end of scriptures, explaining the different types and their significance.
Nirikshana (Meaning of the Title): The title "Jambudvipa Prajnapti" is analyzed, explaining that "Jambu" refers to the Jambu tree and "Dvipa" to the continent, while "Prajnapti" signifies exposition or knowledge. The text aims to reveal the true nature of Jambudvipa, inaccessible to heretical views.
Anuyoga Dvaras Explained: The introductory section elaborates on the four Anuyoga Dvaras (Upakrama, Nikshepa, Anugama, Naya) and their importance in unlocking the meaning of the scripture. The detailed explanations of these methodological frameworks suggest a rigorous approach to scriptural study.
First Sutra: The text then begins with the first sutra: "Namo Arihantanam" (Homage to the Arihants), followed by details about the city of Mithila, King Jitasattu, Queen Dharini, and the presence of Bhagavan Mahavir. This sets the stage for the detailed cosmological descriptions to follow.

In Essence:

The "Jambudvipa Prajnapti" is a foundational Jain text detailing the geography, cosmology, and historical narratives within the Jain tradition. This particular edition, compiled by Muni Diperatnasagar and based on the commentary of Shanti Chandra, emphasizes accuracy, accessibility, and respect for the scriptural lineage. The initial sections meticulously lay the groundwork by defining key terms and establishing the methodological framework for understanding the subsequent detailed descriptions of Jambudvipa, its regions, celestial bodies, and the lives of significant figures like Rishabhadeva and Chakravarti Bharat.

This comprehensive summary covers the essential information presented in the provided pages, highlighting the text's scope, its publishing history, and the introductory elements that set the stage for its detailed cosmological exposition.