Agam 09 Anuttaropapatik Sutra Hindi Anuwad - Book Summary

This document is a Hindi translation and commentary of the Anuttaropapatikadasha, the ninth Anga of the Jain Agamas, translated and edited by Muni Dippratnasagarji.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided pages:

Introduction and Context (Pages 1-4):

Homage: The text begins with traditional Jain salutations to the pure path of Jainism and revered gurus.
Identification of the Text: It clearly identifies the work as "Agam 09 Anuttaropapatik Sutra Hindi Anuwad" (Agam 09 Anuttaropapatik Sutra Hindi Translation), authored and published by Dipratnasagar and Deepratnasagar.
Author's Credentials: Muni Dippratnasagarji is described as an "Agam Diwakar" (Sun of Agamas), holding M.Com., M.Ed., Ph.D. degrees, and is a "Shrut Maharshi" (Great Sage of Scripture).
Agama Classification: Page 3 provides a detailed list of Jain Agamas, including Anga Sutras, Upanga Sutras, Cheda Sutras, Mula Sutras, and other categories, placing the Anuttaropapatikadasha as the 9th Anga Sutra.
Publisher's Literature: Page 4 showcases a catalog of literature published by Muni Dippratnasagarji, highlighting his extensive work in translating, commenting, and analyzing Jain Agamas. It also mentions the total number of his publications and specific details about his works on the Tattvarthasutra.

Content of the Anuttaropapatikadasha (Pages 5-12):

The Anuttaropapatikadasha describes the lives and rebirths of individuals who attain the highest heavens (Anuttaravimanas) or achieve liberation. The text is structured into three sections (Vargas/Chapters), each containing multiple studies (Adhyayanas).

First Varga (Chapter 1) - Studies 1-2 (Pages 5-6):
- Subject: This section focuses on the first study of the first Varga, which details the life of Jalikumar.
- Jalikumar's Life: Born in Rajagriha to King Shrenik and Queen Dharini, Jalikumar experienced a luxurious life. He took diksha (renunciation) under Bhagavan Mahavir, studied the eleven Angas, and practiced asceticism.
- Rebirth: Upon his death, Jalikumar was reborn as a celestial being in the Vijay Viman, one of the highest heavens, transcending twelve Devlokas and nine Graiveyak Vimanas. His lifespan there is 32 sagaropama. After his celestial life, he will attain liberation in Mahavideha Kshetra.
- Other Studies in Varga 1: The text states that the remaining nine studies in the first Varga follow a similar pattern, detailing the lives of other princes (Mayali, Uvayali, Purushasen, Varisena, Dirghdant, Lashtadant, Vahel, Vehayas, and Abhayakumar). They also attained rebirth in high heavens like Vijay, Vaijayanta, Jayanta, Aparajita, and Sarvarthasiddhi, with varying periods of ascetic practice (16 years, 12 years, 5 years) and lifespans in the celestial realms. Abhayakumar's parents are specified as King Shrenik and Nandadevi.
Second Varga (Chapter 2) - Studies 3-6 (Pages 7):
- Subject: This section covers the thirteen studies of the second Varga.
- Key Individuals: The studies focus on princes like Dirghasen, Mahasen, Lashtadant, Gudhadant, Shuddhadant, Hall, Drum, Drumsen, Mahadrumsen, Sinh, Sinhsen, Mahasinghsen, and Punyassen.
- Commonality: Like the first Varga, these princes were born in Rajagriha to King Shrenik and Queen Dharini. They practiced asceticism for sixteen years and were reborn in celestial realms such as Vijay, Vaijayanta, Jayanta, Aparajita, and Sarvarthasiddhi.
Third Varga (Chapter 3) - Studies 7-13 (Pages 8-12):
- Subject: This section deals with the ten studies of the third Varga.
- First Study: Dhanyakumar (Pages 8-11):
  - Life: Dhanyakumar was born in Kakandi to a wealthy merchant woman named Bhadra. He led a life of luxury.
  - Diksha and Austerity: He took diksha from Bhagavan Mahavir, walking barefoot. He vowed to practice extreme austerities, including fasting every sixth day (shashth-shashth tap) and consuming achamla (a type of gruel).
  - Physical Transformation: The text vividly describes Dhanyakumar's extreme emaciation due to his rigorous penance. His body became gaunt, with skin, bones, and sinews visible, resembling dry wood, dried dung, or withered leaves.
  - Spiritual Attainment: He demonstrated immense self-control, detachment, and equanimity. Bhagavan Mahavir declared him the foremost among his fourteen thousand monks in terms of severe penance and karma-nirjara (shedding of karmas).
  - Rebirth: Dhanyakumar, after a month of intense fasting, attained rebirth in the Sarvarthasiddhi Viman, a highest heaven, with a lifespan of 33 sagaropama. He will ultimately attain liberation in Mahavideha Kshetra.
- Remaining Studies in Varga 3 (Study 10-13, Pages 11-12):
  - Sunakshatra Kumar: The text describes Sunakshatra Kumar, also born to Bhadra, who followed a similar path of renunciation and severe austerity, leading to rebirth in Sarvarthasiddhi.
  - Other Individuals: The remaining eight studies (Rishidas, Pellaka Kumar, Ramaputra, Chandrika, Prishtimatrika Kumar, Pedhalaputra, Prishtimayi, and Vehalla Kumar) are also briefly described. They were born in various cities (Rajagriha, Saketpur, Vanij-gram, Hastinapur). Most of them were mothered by Bhadra and received substantial dowries. Their period of asceticism varied, with some practicing for many years and others for a shorter duration, including a month of sanlekhana (controlled fasting before death). All of them attained rebirth in Sarvarthasiddhi Viman and are destined for liberation in Mahavideha Kshetra.
- Concluding Praise: The text concludes the description of the third Varga by extolling the virtues of Bhagavan Mahavir as the founder of the fourfold Jain order, the illuminator of the world, the bestower of fearlessness and refuge, and the guide to liberation.

Overall Significance:

The Anuttaropapatikadasha, as translated and presented by Muni Dippratnasagarji, serves as a guide to understanding the consequences of spiritual practices and the paths to higher realms and ultimate liberation in Jainism. It highlights the importance of severe austerities, detachment from worldly pleasures, and adherence to the teachings of the Tirthankaras. The text emphasizes that even those who experience extreme asceticism can attain the highest heavens before ultimate liberation.