Agam 18 Jambudwippragnapti Sutra Hindi Anuwad

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 18 Jambudwippragnapti Sutra Hindi Anuwad," translated and edited by Muni Deepratnasagarji, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Agam 18 Jambudwippragnapti Sutra Hindi Anuwad Author/Editor: Muni Deepratnasagarji (Agam Diwakar, Shrut Maharshi) Publisher: Deepratnasagar, Deepratnasagar Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/034685/1

This text is the Hindi translation and commentary of the Jambudwippragnapti Sutra, the seventh Upanga Sutra within the Jain Agamas (specifically, the eighteenth Agam). It is a foundational text that provides detailed cosmological and geographical descriptions within the Jain tradition.

Key Themes and Content:

The book is structured into several 'Vakshaskaras' (sections or chapters), each delving into specific aspects of the Jambudwippragnapti. The summary below outlines the main points covered across these sections:

1. Introduction and Classification (Pages 1-4):

• The text begins with salutations and introduces Muni Deepratnasagarji as the translator and editor.
• It places the Jambudwippragnapti Sutra within the Jain canon, identifying it as Agam 18, Upanga Sutra 7.
• A table of contents indicates the breakdown of the sutra into seven Vakshaskaras, outlining the subjects covered in each.
• Page 3 provides a comprehensive classification of Jain Agam literature, including Angas, Upangas, Moolasutras, Chulikasutras, and other related texts, highlighting the extensive work done in preserving and disseminating Jain knowledge. It also lists the published literature of Muni Deepratnasagarji.

2. Description of Jambudwippragnapti Sutra (Vakshaskaras 1-7):

• Vakshaskara 1: Bharatkshetra (Bharat Region)

  • This section begins with Lord Mahavir's sermon in Mithila and an inquiry by Gautam Gandharva about Jambudwipp.
  • Jambudwipp: Described as the innermost and smallest of all continents, round like a fried cake, a chariot wheel, or a lotus seed, with a diameter of one lakh yojanas (units of distance). Its circumference and the golden rampart (Jagati) surrounding it are detailed, including its dimensions, composition (all precious stones), and features.
  • Bharat Region: Located south of the Chull Himvant mountain and north of the Lava sea. It is described as a land of varied terrain, with mountains, rivers, forests, and potential dangers. It is divided into two parts by the Vaitadhya mountain.
  • Vaitadhya Mountain: A significant mountain range described in detail, including its height, depth, width, composition (silver), surrounding lotus-petal platforms and forests, and the presence of two dark caves (Tamisraguhā and Khandapratapaguha) inhabited by Yaksha couples. The section also details the Vidhyadhara and Abhikyōgika (celestial beings' dwelling) regions at different elevations on the mountain.
  • Rishabhkoot: A specific peak on Vaitadhya mountain, described with its dimensions, composition (gold), and a sacred site (Siddhayatana) with a detailed description of its structure, including various types of gem inlays, paintings of animals, and golden pinnacles. The dwellings of the Kutila deities are also mentioned.
  • Time Cycles (Avatarpini and Utsarpini): A detailed explanation of the cyclical nature of time in Jainism, divided into six stages each, with descriptions of the changing conditions, human lifespans, heights, and moral qualities during these eras. The text elaborates on the immense durations of these cycles, measured in Sagaropama (ocean-like) and Palyopama (well-like) periods.
  • Descriptions of the Six Ages: The text vividly describes the conditions during each of the six stages of the descent (Avatarpini) and ascent (Utsarpini) of time, including the evolution of human society, lifespan, physical attributes, and the advent of lineage heads (Kulankars) and Tirthankaras, specifically focusing on the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabha. The description of the first stage, Sushama-Sushama, depicts an era of supreme happiness and prosperity, with humans enjoying immense lifespans and divine forms. As the eras progress towards Sushama-Dushama and further into Dushama and Dushama-Dushama, there's a decline in physical attributes, lifespan, and an increase in suffering and negative qualities. The text also describes the eventual destruction and subsequent renewal of conditions in the final, most dire stage.

• Vakshaskara 2: Kaal (Time)

  • This section elaborates on the concepts of time cycles in Jainism: Avatarpini (descending) and Utsarpini (ascending).
  • Avatarpini and Utsarpini Kal: Both are divided into six stages each, described by the prefix "Sushama" (happiness) and "Dushama" (unhappiness). The text details the progression of human lifespans, physical characteristics, and the general state of the world through these immense time periods.
  • Measuring Time: The sutra provides a complex system for measuring time, starting from 'Avalika' (an immeasurably short unit of time) and progressing through 'Uchchvas-Nihshvas' (breaths), 'Stoka', 'Lava', 'Muhurta', 'Ahoratra' (day-night), 'Paksha' (fortnight), 'Masa' (month), 'Ritu' (season), 'Ayana' (half-year), 'Samvatsara' (year), and then to immensely long durations measured in 'Yuga', 'Purva', 'Trutita', 'Adda', 'Avav', 'Hahuka', 'Utpala', 'Padma', 'Nalin', 'Arthnapur', 'Ayuta', 'Nayuta', 'Prayuta', 'Chulika', 'Shiraprahelika', and finally 'Palyopama' and 'Sagaropama' (vast units of time).
  • Kalpana (Time Cycles) and Human Evolution: The text details the gradual decline in human virtues, lifespan, and physical stature during the Avatarpini period, culminating in the Dushama-Dushama era, characterized by extreme suffering and hardship. Conversely, the Utsarpini period describes the gradual improvement and return to blissful conditions.
  • The Beginning of Time (Sushama-Sushama): The text describes the initial perfect state of the world and humanity, where beings were born spontaneously and lived in perpetual bliss, with no need for conventional means of sustenance or social structures. The advent of the 'Kulankars' is explained as a transition towards more structured existence.
  • The First Tirthankara, Rishabha: A significant portion of this section is dedicated to the life story of Lord Rishabha, the first Tirthankara. It describes his immense lifespan, divine appearance, his role in teaching essential skills and societal structures, his renunciation, and the attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience). The narrative also includes the profound cosmological events surrounding his life, such as the manifestations of celestial beings during his birth and enlightenment.
  • The Six Ages and their Characteristics: The text details the specific characteristics of each of the six ages within the Avatarpini and Utsarpini cycles, including the quality of food, lifespan, stature, and the dominant human characteristics. The description of the Dushama-Dushama era is particularly graphic, portraying a time of immense suffering, scarcity, and degeneration.

• Vakshaskara 3: Bharat Chakravarti (Emperor Bharat)

  • This section focuses on the Bharat region and the life of Emperor Bharat, son of Lord Rishabha.
  • Bharat Region: Its geographical location, dimensions, and division by the Vaitadhya mountain are reiterated.
  • Vinita Capital: The capital city of Emperor Bharat, described as opulent and beautiful, comparable to Alkapuri (the celestial capital of Kubera).
  • Emperor Bharat's Reign: The text details Bharat's birth, his immense qualities, his possession of the fourteen celestial jewels (Ratnas), his conquests of the entire Jambudwipp, his righteous rule, and his eventual renunciation. The story of the divine Chakra Ratna (wheel jewel) initiating his conquest is vividly narrated.
  • The Emperor's Renunciation: The account of Bharat's renunciation is provided, including his bathing, dressing, and departure from the palace to embark on a spiritual path.
  • The Life of a Chakravarti: The text describes the vast empire and the immense power and prosperity enjoyed by a Chakravarti. It also touches upon the spiritual disciplines undertaken by Bharat.
  • Lord Rishabha's Role: The narrative often interweaves the life of Emperor Bharat with the teachings and influence of his father, Lord Rishabha, highlighting the spiritual foundation of his reign.

• Vakshaskara 4: Chull Himvant (Minor Snow Mountain)

  • This section describes one of the major mountain ranges in Jambudwipp.
  • Chull Himvant: Detailed geographical description, including its location, dimensions, composition (gold), surrounding regions, and the presence of beautiful lotus ponds (Padmadrahas) with divine lotuses.
  • Ganga River: The origin of the sacred Ganga river from the Chull Himvant mountain is described, along with its course and the formation of the Ganga-Prapat Kund (waterfall basin). The narrative also mentions other major rivers like Sindhu and Rohitansa, their origins, courses, and their eventual merging into the Lava sea.
  • Abode of Deities: The text describes the presence of celestial beings (Vaanavyantara Devas and Devis) residing in beautiful palaces and enjoying divine pleasures in these regions.
  • Sacred Sites (Siddhayatana): The description of specific sacred mountains and peaks, particularly the Siddhayatana Kuta on Chull Himvant, which is a place of great spiritual significance, is provided.

• Vakshaskara 5: Jyotishka (Celestial Bodies)

  • This section focuses on the celestial bodies that illuminate the cosmos according to Jain cosmology.
  • Suns and Moons: The text details the number of suns and moons in Jambudwipp, their respective distances, sizes, and the cycles of their movement. It explains how their positions and movements contribute to the passage of time and the cycles of day and night.
  • Planets, Stars, and Constellations: The text enumerates the number of planets, stars, and constellations, and their celestial movements. It provides descriptions of their celestial mansions (Vimanas) and the deities residing in them.
  • Time Measurement based on Celestial Movements: The sutra explains how the movements of the sun, moon, and stars are used to measure time, including days, months, years, and even larger cosmological cycles. The intricate calculations involving 'Muhurta', 'Ahoratra', and various units of time are presented.
  • The Nature of Celestial Beings: The text describes the lifespan, celestial residences, and the immense powers and enjoyments of the Jyotishka deities. It also touches upon the concept of their 'Karma' and their eventual rebirths.
  • Cosmological Structure: The description of the vastness and interconnectedness of the celestial realms, including the layers of heavens and hells, is a key element.

• Vakshaskara 6: Jambudwippagat Padarth (Substances within Jambudwipp)

  • This section provides a comprehensive enumeration and quantitative description of various geographical and cosmological elements within Jambudwipp.
  • Regions and Divisions: It details the various regions (Varsha-kshetra) like Bharat, Airavat, Mahavideha, Devakuru, Uttar-kuru, etc., and the mountain ranges that divide them.
  • Mountains: The text describes numerous mountains, including the central Meru mountain, the chain of Vaitadhya mountains, and other ranges like Chull Himvant, Mahā Himvant, Nishadh, Himvant, etc., providing their dimensions, composition, and symbolic significance.
  • Rivers and Lakes: Numerous rivers are mentioned, tracing their origins from mountains and their courses towards the Lava sea. The descriptions of major rivers like Ganga, Sindhu, Shīta, Shītoḍā, Rohitā, Rohitāṅgā, Suvarṇakulā, Rūpyakulā, Harikāntā, Narakaṇtā, Nārikāntā, and the numerous lakes (Mahāḍrahas) like Padmadraha, Mahāpadmadraha, etc., are very detailed.
  • Dimensions and Quantities: A significant portion of this section is dedicated to the precise measurements of various geographical features in yojanas, including the overall size of Jambudwipp, its component regions, mountains, rivers, and lakes. The calculations involve complex numerical data, emphasizing the Jain emphasis on quantitative cosmology.
  • Cities and Deities: The text mentions various capital cities and the presiding deities (Devas and Devis) residing in different regions and mountains, often associating them with specific jewels or powers.
  • Flora and Fauna (Implied): While not always explicitly detailed, the mention of forests, lotuses, and the general descriptions of fertile lands imply the presence of diverse flora and fauna.
  • Number of Features: The sutra enumerates the number of Tirthas (sacred places), Vidyadhar and Abhikyōgika regions, rivers, lakes, and mountains, providing a statistical overview of the Jambudwipp.

• Vakshaskara 7: Jyotishka (Celestial Phenomena)

  • This section delves deeper into the astronomical aspects of Jain cosmology.
  • Sun and Moon Cycles: It explains the movements of the sun and moon, their respective distances from Meru mountain and from each other, and how these movements determine the duration of day and night and the progression of seasons.
  • Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions): The text details the twenty-eight Nakshatras, their ruling deities, their 'Gotras' (lineages), their formations ('Samsthana'), and their specific yogas (conjunctions) with the moon and sun.
  • Time Calculation: The sutra elaborates on the calculation of time units like 'Samvatsara' (year), 'Yuga' (era), 'Paksha' (fortnight), 'Masa' (month), and their subdivisions, emphasizing the immense scales of time in Jain cosmology.
  • The Role of Deities: The text highlights the role of various celestial beings (Devas) in the functioning of the cosmos, including their involvement in the birth and enlightenment of Tirthankaras, and their participation in celestial festivals.
  • The Birth of Tirthankaras: A detailed account of the celestial celebrations surrounding the birth of Tirthankaras is provided, including the descent of Dik-kumarikas (direction-dwelling celestial maidens) and their rituals.
  • Specific Descriptions: The text offers descriptions of specific celestial phenomena like the 'Manushottara Parvat' (mountain marking the boundary of human observation), and the various types of celestial mansions ('Vimanas') and their inhabitants.

Overall Significance:

The Jambudwippragnapti Sutra, as translated and presented here, is a monumental work that meticulously outlines the Jain understanding of the universe. It's not just a geographical or astronomical text but also deeply intertwined with Jain philosophy, ethics, and history. The descriptions are intended to instill a sense of wonder, awe, and detachment from the material world by revealing its vastness and cyclical nature, while also highlighting the path to liberation through spiritual understanding and practice. The detailed measurements and classifications reflect a sophisticated ancient cosmological system. Muni Deepratnasagarji's translation aims to make this profound knowledge accessible to a wider Hindi-speaking audience.