Aagam Sambandhi Saahitya 03 Aagam Sootradi Akaaraadi

Based on the provided Jain text, here's a comprehensive summary in English:

Book Title: Āgam Sambandhi Sahitya 03: Āgam Sūtrādi Akārādi (Agam Sambandhi Sahitya, Part 3: Agam Sutra and others in Alphabetical Order)

Author(s): Anandsagarsuri, Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar

Publisher: Param Anand Shwe Mu Pu Jain Sangh Paldi Ahmedabad

Overall Purpose: This book is part of a larger series titled "Āgam Sambandhi Sahitya" (Literature Related to Agams). This specific volume, "Āgam Sūtrādi Akārādi," focuses on providing an alphabetical index and compilation of various Jain Agam texts, specifically the Anga Sūtras, Upanga Sūtras, and Prakirnaka Sūtras. The primary goal is to make these sacred scriptures more accessible and researchable by organizing their content alphabetically.

Key Figures and Their Contributions:

• Pujya Pād Āgmoddhārak Āchārya Shri Ānandsāgarsūriśvarji Mahārājsaheb: He is recognized as the original researcher and reviser of this compilation. His significant contribution lies in his deep scholarship and efforts to preserve and make the Jain Agams accessible. The text highlights his role in preparing pure texts from numerous manuscripts, revising and editing 45 Agam texts, building an Agam Mandir at Pālitāṇā, inscribing the Agams on stone and copper plates, and initiating their printing through the "Āgam Mañjūṣā" project. He also contributed to the editing and compilation of their commentaries (Vritti, Chūrṇi, Niyukti, etc.) and composed new works of significant length. His life exemplified dedication to knowledge, spiritual discipline, and the protection of Jain Tirthas.
• Āgam Divākar Muniśri Dīpatnsāgarji (M.Com., M.Ed., Ph.D., Śrutamaharṣi): He is the meticulous compiler of this particular volume. The text acknowledges his extensive work in Jain Agam literature, having published over 100,000 pages. His effort in scanning and creating a special format for this book, preserving the original work of Āchārya Shri Ānandsāgarsūriśvarji, is highly appreciated. He is motivated by the respect and devotion people have for Āchārya Shri Sāgāranandsūriśvarji and the desire to uphold ancient traditions.
• Acharya Shri Harṣasāgarsūriji Maharaj: He provided the inspiration and guidance for this project.
• Shri Param Ānand Śvetāmbara Mūrtipūjaka Jain Sangh, Pālḍī, Ahmedabad: This organization provided the complete financial support (grant) for the printing of this book. The text elaborates on the Sangh's history, founded about fifty years prior by the late Gachhadhipati Āchārya Dev Shrī Devendrasāgarsūriśvarji Maharaj Saheb. It mentions the Sangh's Jinalaya of Shri Śīlnāth Bhagvant, the Upāśraya for monks and nuns, and facilities like Āyambil Bhavan, filtered water, a knowledge library, and a school, all contributing to the spiritual upliftment of devotees.
• Acharya Dev Shrī Devendsāgarsūriśvarji Maharaj Saheb: He was the third Gachhadhipati in the lineage of Āchārya Shri Ānandsāgarsūriśvarji. He is described as a pious soul who quickly became a Guru and eventually the Gachhadhipati. His spiritual endeavors included inspiring 'Upadhān Tap' and dedicating himself to the path of knowledge and character. His devotion to āradhanā (worship/practice) and his final moments spent reciting the four refuges are highlighted.
• Acharya Shri Daulat Sāgarsūriśvarji Maharaj Saheb and Acharya Shri Nandivardhansāgarsūriji Maharaj Saheb: Their memory is honored for their inspirational role in this spiritual endeavor.

Content and Structure:

• The book is titled "Āgam Sambandhi Sahitya, Bhag 3: Āgam Sūtrādi Akārādi."
• It is presented as a collection of literature related to Jain Agams, specifically focusing on the alphabetical arrangement (Akārādi kram) of Sūtras and Gāthās within the Anga Sūtras (like Āchārāṅga, Sūtakṛtānga, etc.), Upanga Sūtras, and Prakirnaka Sūtras.
• The text features extensive lists of Sūtras or Gāthās, primarily in Prakrit, along with their corresponding Sūtra numbers and references to their location ("here").
• The core of the book is the alphabetical (Akārādi) index, meaning it lists verses or Sūtra beginnings based on the alphabetical order of their initial words.
• The publication includes detailed introductory sections that pay homage to the spiritual lineage and the key figures involved, emphasizing the importance of these works for the Jain faith.
• The book acknowledges the original editor (Ānandsāgarsūriśvarji) and the compiler (Munishri Dīpratnsāgarji), along with the patron institutions and individuals.

Significance:

• This work is crucial for scholars and practitioners of Jainism who wish to study or research the Jain Agams. The alphabetical index makes it easier to locate specific verses or Sūtras, especially given the vastness and complexity of the Agamic literature.
• It demonstrates a commitment to preserving and disseminating ancient Jain scriptures, highlighting the efforts of great Āchāryas and dedicated monks in safeguarding this spiritual heritage.
• The mention of Āchārya Shri Ānandsāgarsūriśvarji's previous monumental work of revising and publishing 45 Agam texts underscores the historical importance of such efforts in Jain tradition.

In essence, this book is a scholarly and devotional compilation, made possible by the inspiration and financial support of the Jain community, serving as a vital reference tool for understanding the alphabetical structure of key Jain Agamic texts.