Agam 18 Jambudivapannatti Uvangsutt 07 Moolam

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 18 Jambudivapannatti Uvangsutt 07 Moolam," based on the provided pages:

Title: Agam 18 Jambudivapannatti Uvangsutt 07 Moolam Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar Publisher: Agam Shrut Prakashan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/009744/1

Overview:

This document is the seventh Upanga Sutra within the eighteenth Agam (Agam 18), titled "Jambudivapannatti" (Description of Jambudvipa). The text is presented as the original root text (Moolam), authored by Muni Dipratnasagar, a disciple of Muni Sudharma Sagarji. It is published by Agam Shrut Prakashan and is intended for private and personal use only.

Key Content and Structure (Based on the provided pages):

The provided pages, primarily from page 1 to page 116 (though page numbering restarts in various sections), offer a glimpse into the foundational structure of Jain Agamas and the specific content of the Jambudvipa description.

I. Acknowledgements and Sponsorship (Pages 3-6):

• Financial Contributors: A significant portion of the initial pages (3-6) lists numerous individuals and Jain Sanghs (organizations) who provided financial support for the publication. This highlights the community effort involved in preserving and disseminating these sacred texts.
• Dedication and Inspiration: The publication is dedicated to various Acharyas and Sadhvis, indicating the lineage and spiritual guidance associated with its creation.
• List of Agam Publications: Page 6 features a list of other publications by "Abhinav Hem" and "Agam Shrut Prakashan," covering various aspects of Jainism, including grammar, rituals, directories, and commentaries on scriptures. This contextualizes the Jambudvipa description within a broader Jain literary tradition.

II. Cataloging and Indices (Pages 8-10):

• Agam Sutra Listing: Pages 7-8 provide a comprehensive list of the 45 Agam Sutras, categorized into Anga Sutras, Upanga Sutras, Moola Sutras, Cheda Sutras, etc., along with their respective volumes. This indicates the systematic organization of Jain scriptures.
• Appendices (Parishisht): Pages 8-10 detail the intended appendices for the Agam collection, including:
  • Vishayanukkami: A comprehensive index of subjects.
  • Vishuddha Shabdannukkamo: An alphabetical index of specific words with their locations in the Agams.
  • Vishesh Namannukkamo: An index of special names mentioned in the Agams.
  • Gathannukkamo: An index of verses (Gathas).
  • Sutrannukkamo: An index of Sutras.
  • Notes on Commentary: A note specifies that for most sutras, the commentary used is from publications of Agamodaya Samiti, Devchand Lalbhai Fund, and Rishabhdev Kesrimall Pehdi, with a handwritten manuscript used for Chandravatpati. Certain texts like Nishith, Vyavahar, etc., are mentioned as being compiled by specific Acharyas.

III. Content of Jambudivapannatti (Pages 11 onwards):

The core of the text, starting from page 11, delves into the description of Jambudvipa, a central continent in Jain cosmology. The text follows a discourse format, often initiated by a question from a disciple (like Gautama) to the Lord Mahavir.

• Cosmological Descriptions:
  • Jambudvipa's Shape and Size: Page 11 describes Jambudvipa as circular, like a disc of clarified butter or a chariot wheel, with a specific diameter and circumference in yojanas (a unit of distance).
  • Surrounding Structures: Page 11 mentions it being enclosed by a diamond rampart (vajramayee jagati), detailing its dimensions and characteristics.
  • Lotus Mound (Padmavedika) and Groves: Page 11 also describes a lotus-shaped mound and groves within the rampart.
  • Gates (Dwara): Page 12 details the four gates of Jambudvipa: Vijaya, Jayanta, Jayantaprājita.
  • Bharata Area: Pages 12-16 provide extensive descriptions of the Bharata area, including its characteristics (rough, uneven, full of mountains, rivers, etc.), its division into southern and northern halves, and the central mountain Vaitadha (Vaitaddha).
  • Vaitadha Mountain: Pages 13-16 describe Vaitadha mountain in detail, including its location, dimensions, caves (Timisra and Khandapravat), Vidhyadhara cities, and the divine beings residing there.
  • Kutas (Peaks/summits): Pages 14-16 list and describe various peaks on Vaitadha, such as Siddhayatana Kuta, Dakshinarha Bharata Kuta, etc.
  • Time Cycles (Kal): Page 17 begins discussing time cycles (Osarpinika and Utsarpinika kalas), detailing their six divisions and the concept of breath cycles (ushasa-nishasa) and their measurements in units like Avvali, Muhurta, etc.
  • Units of Measurement: Pages 17-18 elaborate on units of measurement, starting from atoms (paramanu) and progressing to practical measures like Angula, Hasta, Dhanush, Yojana, and ultimately explaining the concept of Pallyopama and Sagaropama for vast periods.
  • The Eras (Kal): Pages 18-20 describe the different eras (Susama-susama, Susama, Susama-dusama, Dusama-susama, Dusama, Dusama-dusama) and their characteristics, including the lifespan, physical attributes, and societal norms of beings in those times. This section highlights a stark contrast between the blissful first era and the increasingly difficult later eras.
  • Jambudvipa's Geography: The text then continues to describe various regions within Jambudvipa, including Bharata Varsha (pages 12-16, 20-24), Uttara-radha Bharata (page 25), and various mountains and geographical features.
  • The Birth and Renunciation of Rishabha: Pages 23-26 narrate the story of Rishabha, the first Tirthankara, from his birth and youth to his renunciation and attainment of omniscience. This includes details about his lifespan, physical form, and the divine reception of his birth and death.
  • Other Tirthankaras: The text mentions the lineage of Tirthankaras.
  • Mount Meru and its Surroundings: Pages 30-32 describe Mount Meru, its surrounding mountains (Gandhamadana, Malavanta, Nishadha, etc.), and associated divine beings and celestial palaces.
  • Vidhyadhara Kingdoms: Descriptions of the Vidhyadhara kingdoms and their rulers are provided.
  • Chakravarthi Bharata: Pages 33-48 extensively detail the conquests and reign of Bharata, the Chakravarti (universal ruler) after whom the Bharata Varsha is named. This includes the divine appearance of the Chakra Ratna (divine discus) and its role in his conquests, his interactions with various kings and deities, and his eventual renunciation.
  • Celestial Deities and their Roles: The text mentions various celestial beings like Sakra (Indra), Isana, Chamara, Bali, and their involvement in significant events, such as accompanying the Chakravarti or participating in rituals related to Tirthankaras.
  • Cosmic Cycles and Time: The descriptions of time, cycles, and the vastness of the universe are recurring themes, emphasizing the Jain understanding of cosmology.
  • Description of Jambudvipa's Structure: The text details the circular nature of Jambudvipa, its surrounding ocean (Lavana Samudra), and the various mountains and rivers that demarcate its regions.
  • Specific Geographical Features: Detailed descriptions are given for Mount Meru, the Chakravarthi mountains (Gandhamadana, Malavanta, Nishadha, etc.), and the rivers like Ganga and Sindhu.
  • Ruler of the Celestial Realm: The role of Indra (Sakendra, Isana, Chamara, Bali) and other celestial rulers is mentioned in connection with their duties and interactions with earthly events.

Significance:

The Jambudvipa description is crucial in Jain cosmology as it maps out the physical universe as understood by Jainism. It details the layout of the Jambu continent, the central of the five Jambus, and its various divisions, mountains, rivers, and celestial abodes. The text also weaves in narratives of significant figures like the first Tirthankara, Rishabha, and the first Chakravarti, Bharata, illustrating the principles and history within the Jain tradition. The emphasis on vast time scales and detailed measurements reflects the Jain focus on understanding the cosmos with precision.

This summary provides a structured overview based on the provided text, highlighting the key themes and the comprehensive nature of the Jambudvipa description within Jain Agamic literature.