Agam 18 Upang 07 Jambudveep Pragnapti Sutra Part 02 Sthanakvasi Gujarati - Book Summary

The provided text is the second part of the Jambudveep Pragnyapti Sutra, titled "Agam 18 Upang 07 Jambudveep Pragnyapti Sutra Part 02," authored by Ghasilal Maharaj and published by A B Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti. The catalog link is https://jainqq.org/explore/006455/1.

This document appears to be a Gujarati text with explanations and translations, likely from a commentary or detailed study of the original Jain scripture. Here's a comprehensive summary of the content presented across the pages:

I. Opening and Publisher Information (Pages 1-4):

Invocation: The text begins with the traditional Jain invocation: "Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, Namo Arayriyanam, Namo Uvajjhayanam, Namo Loye Savva Sadhunam. Esho Panch Namukkaro Savva Pavappanasano Mangalaanam Cha Savvesim Padhamam Havai Mangalam." (Homage to the Arihants, homage to the Siddhas, homage to the Acharyas, homage to the Upadhyayas, homage to all the Sadhus in the world. This five-fold salutation destroys all sins and is the first among all auspicious things.) This sets a devotional and respectful tone.
Publication Details: It identifies the work as part of the "Jina Agama Prakashan Yojana" (Jina Agama Publication Plan), with a commentary by Param Poojya Acharayashri Ghasilalji Maharaj Saheb. It also mentions the organizer of the plan (Shri Chandra P. Doshi - Ph.D.) and the website www.jainagam.com.
Title: The title is clearly stated as "Shri Jambudveep Pragnyapti Sutra: Part 02."
Editorial and Publication Information: Page 4 provides detailed publication information:
- It was authored by Jainacharya-Jaindharmadivakar-Pujya Shri Ghasilalji Maharajvirachit with the "Prakashika" commentary.
- It includes Hindi-Gujarati language translation.
- The planner/compiler is Panditmuni Shri Kanhaiyalalji Maharaj.
- The publisher is the Chief of A.B. Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti, Shresthi Shri Shantilal Mangaldasbhai, with financial assistance from Shresthi Shri Laxmichandbhai Jas Karanbhai of Palanpur.
- It is the first edition.
- The number of copies printed is 1200.
- The publication dates are Veer Samvat 2503, Vikram Samvat 2034, and Gregorian Year 1977.
- The price is Rs. 35.00.

II. Rules and Regulations for Swadhyaya (Study) (Pages 5-10):

Timing: The original text (Mul Path) should be studied during the first and fourth quarters of both day and night.
Prohibited Times: Study is prohibited during the pre-dawn twilight (Usha-kal), evening twilight (Sandhya-kal), midday (Madhyahna), and midnight (Madhya-ratri) for two "ghadi" (approximately 48 minutes). This includes 24 minutes before sunrise and 24 minutes after sunrise.
Women in Menstruation: Women during their monthly cycle should not study the text, nor should they be present while it is being studied. Study should only take place in a room where such women are absent.
32 Unfavorable Circumstances (Aswadhyay Prasang): The text lists numerous specific circumstances under which study is prohibited, categorized into two main groups:
- 10 Circumstances Related to the Sky (Akash Sambandhi): These include events like meteor showers (ulkapat), directional burning (digdah), thunderous roaring (garjarav), celestial sounds (nirghat), lightning (vidyut), specific atmospheric phenomena (yupak, yakshadipata), fog/mist (dhumika krushna, mahika shweta), and dust storms (rajouddat). These events have specific durations of prohibition, ranging from one "prahara" (3 hours) to eight "prahara" (24 hours).
- 10 Circumstances Related to the Physical Body (Audarik Sharir Sambandhi): These are more practical and include:
  - Bones, flesh, and blood that do not burn completely in fire, cannot be washed away by water, and are visible.
  - Broken eggs.
  - Excreta and urine that are visible or whose foul smell persists.
  - Graveyards (smashan) and a 100-hand radius around them.
  - Lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) – 8 to 12 "muhurta" (time units).
  - Solar eclipse (Surya Grahan) – 12 to 16 "muhurta."
  - Political unrest (rajavyagrata) – battles between kings or for a day/night after the conflict ceases.
  - The death of a king or national figure until cremation and the appointment of a successor.
  - The presence of a dead body (of a five-sensed being) within or within 100 hands of the "upashray" (monastic dwelling).
  - Four major festivals (Mahotsava) and the four "pratipada" (first day of the lunar fortnight) following them, totaling eight days of prohibition. This includes Ashadh Purnima (Bhoot Mahotsav), Ashwin Purnima (Indra Mahotsav), Kartik Purnima (Skandha Mahotsav), and Chaitri Purnima (Yaksha Mahotsav), and the subsequent four "pratipada" days.
- Specific Timing Rules: Additionally, specific rules are mentioned for morning and evening twilight (one "ghadi" before and after sunrise/sunset) and midday/midnight (one "ghadi" before and after).
Important Note: The rules for "aswadhyay" (prohibition of study) are for the original text. They do not apply to translations in Gujarati or other languages. The text emphasizes that "vinay" (respect and humility) is the root of Dharma, and in difficult situations, one should follow the wishes and commands of the Guru or elders.

III. Table of Contents / Subject Index (Page 10-13):

This section provides a list of topics covered in Part 02, along with the corresponding page numbers. This gives a detailed overview of the structure and content of the volume:

Descriptions of various mountains (Vakshastra, Himvat, Mahahimvat, etc.).
Descriptions of Jambudveep, Bharata-kshetra, and other regions.
Details about various rivers like Ganga, Sindhu, Rohitasa, etc.
Descriptions of lakes like Padmahada.
Information about cities and residences.
Discussions on various deities and their rituals.
Specific mention of the Vakshastra mountains, and the regions they divide (e.g., Bharat-kshetra, Hemvat-kshetra, Harivarsha, Mahavideha).
Descriptions of specific mountains like Ushira, Nilavanta, Mahapadma, Himvat, and others.
Details about sacred places and shrines (e.g., Siddhayatan, Devi Kutas).
Narrations about the activities and occasions of deities (e.g., Indra Mahotsav, Skandha Mahotsav, Yaksha Mahotsav).
Descriptions of special events related to celestial beings and their rituals.
The text details the order and subject matter covered in the sutras, starting from descriptions of mountains and progressing through rivers, lakes, divine abodes, and celestial beings.

IV. Detailed Chapter Summaries (Pages 13 onwards):

The subsequent pages provide detailed explanations and translations of various parts of the Jambudveep Pragnyapti Sutra, elaborating on the points listed in the table of contents. These include:

Descriptions of Mountains: Extensive descriptions of various mountain ranges like Kshudra Himavat, Mahahimvat, and others, including their dimensions, location, and associated features.
Descriptions of Rivers: Detailed accounts of major rivers like Ganga, Sindhu, and Rohitasa, their courses, and their significance.
Descriptions of Lakes: Elaboration on significant lakes like Padmahada, including their beauty, composition, and surrounding environment.
Descriptions of Regions and Continents: Explanations about the geographical divisions within Jambudveep, such as Bharat-kshetra, Hemvat-kshetra, Harivarsha, Mahavideha, Devakuru, Uttarkuru, and Kachchha-Sukuran.
Descriptions of Cities and Divine Abodes: Details about the celestial cities, palaces, and residences of deities.
Descriptions of Deities and Festivals: Accounts of the celestial beings, their powers, festivals, and associated rituals.
Specific Rules and Traditions: The text explains various rules and traditions related to studying the scripture, as well as practices observed by Jain ascetics and laypeople.
The Six Divisions of Jambudveep: The text elaborates on the six divisions of Jambudveep, namely Bharata, Haiyavat, Hari, Mahavideha, Ramyaka, and Airavata, and the mountains and rivers that delineate them.
The Mandar Mountain: A significant portion is dedicated to describing the Mandar mountain, its dimensions, features, and the celestial beings residing there.
The Concept of 'Kutas' (Peaks/Prominences): The text details the various "kutas" on the mountains, their names, locations, and associated deities or features.
The Role of Deities: The text often describes the activities, abodes, and roles of various deities, including their attendants and their interactions with the celestial geography.
The Significance of 'Yavats': The recurring use of "yavat" indicates a continuation of descriptive elements from previous sutras or sections, emphasizing comprehensiveness.
Geographical Divisions and their Names: The text meticulously explains the naming conventions and geographical characteristics of various regions, mountains, and rivers within Jambudveep, often relating them to the beings who inhabit or are associated with them.

Overall Theme:

The Jambudveep Pragnyapti Sutra, as presented in this second part with Ghasilal Maharaj's commentary, is a foundational text in Jain cosmology. It provides an incredibly detailed and systematic description of the Jambudveep continent within the Jain universe. The text meticulously maps out the geography, including mountains, rivers, and regions, and describes the celestial beings and phenomena associated with them. The inclusion of rules for studying the scripture highlights the importance of proper conduct and reverence while engaging with sacred texts. The detailed explanations aim to provide a profound understanding of Jain cosmology and the hierarchical structure of the universe as understood within the tradition.