Agam 19 Nirayavaliyanam Uvangsutt 08 Moolam - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, Agam 19 Nirayavaliyanam Uvangsutt 08 Moolam:

Book Title: Agam 19 Nirayavaliyanam Uvangsutt 08 Moolam Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar Publisher: Agam Shrut Prakashan

This document is the eighth Upanga Sutra within the Agamas, specifically Nirayavaliyanam. It focuses on the topic of hellish beings and their existence. The text is presented in Gujarati, with Sanskrit and Prakrit terminology common in Jain scriptures.

Key Aspects and Content:

Identification and Provenance: The book is presented as part of a larger collection of Agam Sutras, numbering 19 in this instance. It originates from the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra and is associated with Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir. The dedication and acknowledgments suggest a lineage of Jain scholars and monks, with Muni Deepratnasagar being the author and disciple of Muni Sudharma Sagarji. The publication date seems to be related to Ashadh Sud 1052 (likely a calendar year).
Financial Support and Contributors: A significant portion of the initial pages (Pages 3-6) lists numerous individuals and Jain Sanghs (communities) who provided financial contributions or support for the publication of this Agama. These donors are often motivated by the teachings and inspiration of various Sadhvis (nuns), indicating a strong community effort in preserving and disseminating Jain scriptures. The contributions are often made in memory of deceased family members or to mark auspicious occasions.
Structure of the Agama:
- Introduction: The text begins with traditional invocations and salutations to Jain Tirthankaras and revered acharyas.
- Content Outline (Page 6): A "Suchanapatra" (Information Notice) explains the numbering and referencing system used within the Agama, including:
  - Consecutive numbering of Sutras and Gathas.
  - Use of vertical lines to denote Sutras and double vertical lines for Gathas.
  - English numbering indicating the commentary (vritti) for each verse.
  - The inclusion of square brackets [] indicating missing or supplemented text in older manuscripts.
- Main Text (Pages 7-18): This section contains the core of the Nirayavaliyanam Sutra. The initial verses detail:
  - Setting: The narrative begins in Rajagriha, a significant city in ancient India.
  - Key Figures: It introduces the presence of Bhagwan Mahavir and his disciple, Ajjasuhamma (Arya Sudharma Swami). It also introduces Jamboo, a disciple of Ajjasuhamma, who asks questions.
  - The Question: Jamboo asks about the structure of the Upanga Sutras, specifically Nirayavaliyanam.
  - The Answer: Bhagwan Mahavir explains that there are five vargas (categories) of Upangas, and Nirayavaliyanam is the first of these. He further details that Nirayavaliyanam consists of ten chapters (adhyayanas), listing their names: Kala, Sukala, Mahakala, Krishna, Sukrishna, Mahakrishna, Virakrishana, Ramakrishana, Piyusha, and Senakrishna.
  - Detailed Narrative of King Kunika and Queen Kali: The text then delves into a specific narrative within the first chapter (Adhyayana) concerning King Kunika (son of King Shrenika) and his queen, Kali.
    - Kunika's Battle: Kunika engages in a fierce battle (rahmusala sangrama) with significant forces.
    - Queen Kali's Distress: Queen Kali is deeply worried about her son's safety in battle. She prays to Bhagwan Mahavir for guidance.
    - Mahavir's Explanation of Kunika's Fate: Bhagwan Mahavir reveals that Kunika was defeated in battle and killed by King Chedaka.
    - Rebirth of Kunika: Due to his actions and karma, Kunika is reborn in the fourth hellish realm (Pankapaprabhā pṛthvī).
  - Detailed Narrative of Queen Padmawati and Prince Abhay: The text shifts to King Shrenika's queen, Padmawati, who experiences a pregnancy craving (dohala) related to consuming her husband's flesh.
    - Prince Abhay's Fulfillment of the Craving: Prince Abhay, to satisfy his mother's craving, performs the act of taking his father's flesh (though this is presented symbolically or allegorically within the text's context, perhaps referring to sacrifices or actions that fulfill the craving). He is born named Kunika (due to this event, as suggested by the naming custom later).
    - Prince Kunika's Ascension to the Throne: The narrative then follows Prince Kunika (previously Abhay) as he prepares to take over the kingdom from his father, Shrenika. He consults with his maternal uncles (Kalaiyas).
    - Confrontation with Prince Vehalla: The story introduces Prince Vehalla, Shrenika's son from another queen. Vehalla possesses a prized elephant named Seyanaga and wears a special necklace. Vehalla, seeking to usurp power or out of pride, taunts Kunika and demands half the kingdom and his father's treasures.
    - The Conflict: This leads to a conflict between Kunika and Vehalla. The text describes the preparations for war, the battle, and the eventual death of King Shrenika (apparently by poisoning, administered by Kunika, who was manipulated or acting under severe delusion).
    - Consequences of Actions: The narrative highlights the karmic consequences of these actions. Prince Kunika, after his father's death, is overcome with grief. His actions (like the conflict with Vehalla, and potentially the father's death) are implied to lead to his own future rebirths in lower realms.
    - The Second Chapter (Sukala): The text briefly mentions the second chapter, "Sukala," which also features a prince named Sukala involved in battles and destined for a hellish rebirth, similar to the events of the first chapter. The remaining chapters are stated to follow a similar pattern of detailing the lives and karmic destinies of individuals involved in worldly affairs, leading to rebirths in hells.
Appendices (Pages 19-22): The latter pages list various Jain Agamas and related texts published by "Agam Shrut Prakashan." This includes the Angas, Upangas, Painnayagas, Chedasutras, Mulamas, Chulikas, and various philosophical and devotional works. It also details "Parisist" (appendices) that will be published in future, such as indexes of subjects, words, names, Gathas, and Sutras.

Overall Significance:

Karmic Law: The Nirayavaliyanam vividly illustrates the Jain principles of karma. The text emphasizes that actions (arambha, samarambha, bhoga, bhoga-samarambha) and their consequences (asubhakarmaprabhāra) determine one's rebirth, particularly the harsh realities of hellish existence.
Illustrative Narratives: The detailed stories of royalty and their struggles serve as cautionary tales, showing how desires, pride, ambition, and emotional turmoil can lead to severe karmic repercussions.
Preservation of Knowledge: The publication of this text, supported by a dedicated community, underscores the Jain tradition's commitment to preserving and transmitting its sacred literature.
Structure of Jain Cosmology: The text provides insights into the Jain understanding of the hellish realms (naraka) and the cycle of rebirth.

In essence, Nirayavaliyanam is a profound scripture that uses narrative to expound on the principles of karma and the nature of suffering in the lower realms of existence, encouraging righteous conduct to avoid such fates.