Agam 18 Upang 07 Jambudveep Pragnapti Sutra Stahanakvasi

This comprehensive summary of the Jambudvipa Prajnapti Sutra (Agam 18, Upanga 07), translated and annotated by Dr. Chhaganlal Shastri and published by Agam Prakashan Samiti, Beawar, provides a detailed overview of its contents. The text, dedicated to the memory of Pujya Shri Joravarmalji Maharaj, delves into Jain cosmology, geography, and time cycles, offering insights into the structure of the universe as understood within Jain philosophy.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and concepts presented in the provided text:

1. Introduction and Publisher's Note:

• The book is the sixth Upanga of the Jinagam Granthamala, publication number 26.
• It is published in remembrance of Pujya Shri Joravarmalji Maharaj.
• The text aims to propagate Jain Agamic literature through original text, Hindi translation, commentary, and appendices.
• The publication is supported by the cooperation of various individuals and organizations, highlighting the collective effort in preserving and disseminating Jain scriptures.

2. Dedication:

• The book is respectfully dedicated to the late Acharya Shri Kashiramji Maharaj, described as a prominent leader of the Shraman Sangh in the Punjab region, influential in the Jinashasan, a scholar of Agamas, and highly successful.

3. Publishers' Note (Prakashiya):

• The third edition is being published for the study and propagation of Agamic literature.
• The primary focus is on Jambudvipa, the dwelling place of humans, and its surrounding oceans, along with the Jyotishk Chakra (celestial wheel) from a Jain perspective.
• The content is primarily related to geography and astronomy, fitting within the Ganitanuyoga classification.
• It also includes biographical details of the first Dharmachakravarti, Bhagwan Rishabhdev, and the first Chakravarti Samrat, Bharat, incorporating elements of Dharmakathanuyoga.
• Dr. Chhaganlal Shastri is credited with the translation and editing, making the complex subject matter accessible through simple Hindi.

4. Publisher's Acknowledgment of Support:

• The publication acknowledges Shri Padmashri Mohanlalji S. Choradia as a significant financial supporter for the first edition. A brief biography highlights his extensive contributions to society, religion, education, healthcare, and animal welfare. His philosophy emphasizes that greatness comes from actions, not birth.

5. Editorial Note (Sampadakeeya):

• The editorial highlights the inspirational work of the late Yuvacharya Shri Mishrimalji Maharaj 'Madhukar' in undertaking the publication of Jain Agamas with commentary and translation.
• It explains the concept of the "Shrutpurush" (embodiment of knowledge) and the division of Agamas into Angas and Upangas.
• The Angas are considered the direct limbs of the Shrutpurush, while the Upangas are considered external limbs or supplements, often authored by Sthaviras (elders) but drawing from Tirthankara teachings.
• Jambudvipa Prajnapti is identified as the sixth Upanga, complementing the first Anga, Achara.

6. Anuyoga Classification:

• The text details the four Anuyogas (categories of scriptures) in Jainism:
  • Charankarananuyoga: Deals with conduct, vows, discipline, and practices.
  • Dharmakathanuyoga: Focuses on narratives, stories, and moral exemplars.
  • Ganitanuyoga: Concerns mathematics, astronomy, and cosmology.
  • Dravyanuyoga: Explores the nature of substances (jiva, ajiva, etc.) and metaphysical principles.
• Jambudvipa Prajnapti is placed under Ganitanuyoga, though it contains elements of Dharmakathanuyoga.

7. Detailed Description of Jambudvipa Prajnapti:

• Structure: The Sutra is divided into seven 'Vakshaskaras' (chapters or sections).
• Content: It describes:
  • The nature and extent of Jambudvipa.
  • The Jain time cycle (Avasharpini and Utsarpini).
  • The fourteen Kulakaras and the lives of Rishabhdev and Bharat.
  • Details of seventy-two arts for women (sixty-four specifically).
  • Various crafts and sculptures.
  • The six continents (Khandas) and rivers.
  • The presiding deities of mountains and regions.
  • The Tirthankara Abhishek ceremony.
  • The Sun, Moon, planets, stars, and their movements.
  • The calculation of time (Ayana, Samvatsara, Masa, Paksha, Dina).
• Literary Style: The text praises the linguistic beauty and poetic elements in the description of Bharat Chakravarti's conquests. Repetition, common in ancient scriptures, is noted as a pedagogical tool for memorization.

8. Editorial and Translators' Notes:

• Dr. Chhaganlal Shastri elaborates on the editorial process, including the collation of three manuscript copies for textual accuracy. He expresses his dedication and the profound impact of the late Yuvacharya Madhukar Muni, who actively participated in the text verification despite his high position. The untimely demise of Yuvacharya Madhukar Muni is lamented.
• The difficulty of translating astronomical and geographical terms is acknowledged, emphasizing the focus on conveying the original meaning accurately.
• The inherent challenges of reconciling ancient cosmology with modern science are discussed, noting different approaches to interpretation.
• The spiritual utility of the geographical descriptions is highlighted as a means to understand the soul's journey through the cycle of existence and its ultimate goal of liberation.

9. Key Geographical and Cosmological Elements:

• Jambudvipa: Described as the innermost continent, circular, 100,000 yojanas in dimension, surrounded by a vajra (diamond) wall, a gateway, and a lotus-jewel platform.
• Pramanas: Specific measurements are given for dimensions, heights, widths, and circumferences of various elements.
• Mountains: Several prominent mountains like Himavan, Mahahimavan, Nishadha, Gandhamadana, Meru, Nilavanta, Rukmi, Shikari, and Vaitadhya are detailed.
• Rivers: Major rivers like Ganga, Sindhu, Shita, Shito-da, Rupyakula, Suvarnakula, Raktavati, and Raktā are mentioned.
• Regions (Khandas/Varshas): The text details Bharatavarsha, Airavata, Haimavata, Hairanyavata, Harivarsha, Ramya, Mahavideha, Devakuru, and Uttarakuru, describing their characteristics, inhabitants, and rulers.
• Celestial Bodies: Detailed descriptions of the Sun, Moon, planets, stars, their movements, ascensions, descensions, and their respective mansions (mandals) are provided.
• Time Cycles: The text elaborates on the Avasharpini and Utsarpini time cycles, their six-six subdivisions (Sukshama-Sukshama, Sukshama, Sukshama-Dushama, Dushama-Sukshama, Dushama, Dushama-Dushama), their durations in Sagaropamas, and the corresponding human lifespan, strength, and happiness.
• Kulakaras: The role of Kulakaras (progenitors) in guiding humanity during transitional periods is explained, noting the evolution of societal norms and punishments.
• Tirthankaras and Chakravartis: The text outlines the lives of the first Tirthankara, Rishabhdev, and the first Chakravarti Samrat, Bharat, including their lineage, virtues, conquests, and renunciation. The fourteen virtues of Bharat and the thirty-two Vidyadhar cities are also mentioned.
• Nava Nidhi (Nine Treasures): The text lists the nine treasures possessed by a Chakravarti, highlighting their functions and importance.
• Special Locations: Numerous cities, forests, lakes (like Padmadhra), and mountains are described, often associated with divine beings or significant events.

10. Key Figures and Concepts:

• Tirthankaras: Rishabhdev's life is a significant focus, detailing his virtues, renunciation, and attainment of Kevala knowledge.
• Chakravartis: Bharat Chakravarti's conquest of the six Khandas and his eventual renunciation are described.
• Devas and Devis: Various celestial beings, including Vanavyantara Devas, Bhavanapatis, and Jyotishka Devas, are mentioned in their roles within the cosmological structure and their participation in significant events like Tirthankara Abhishek.
• Calendar and Time: The text elaborates on the calculation of time, including Muhurtas, Ayanas, Samvatsaras, and their intricate subdivisions.
• Cosmological Measurements: Precise and vast numerical measurements are used to describe the dimensions of continents, oceans, mountains, and celestial bodies, reflecting the Jain emphasis on quantification in understanding the universe.

11. Comparative Analysis:

• The text notes parallels and contrasts with Vedic, Puranic, and Buddhist traditions regarding cosmology and time cycles, acknowledging the Jain perspective as distinct and original.

12. Appendices (Parishisht):

• The publication includes appendices such as alphabetical indexes of verses (Gathas), place names, and personal names, aiding in textual research.

In essence, the Jambudvipa Prajnapti Sutra is a foundational text within Jainism, offering a comprehensive and detailed cosmological map of the universe, intricately woven with the lives of pivotal figures and the framework of time. The publication aims to make this ancient knowledge accessible to a wider audience through scholarly translation and commentary.