Agam 19 Upang 08 Niryavalika Sutra Stahanakvasi

This document is an introduction and partial summary of the Jain text "Niryavalika Sutra" (also known as Agam 19, Upang 08). It is part of the "Jinaagam Granthamala" publication series, specifically publication number 21. The text is presented in Hindi with some English translations of key details.

Here's a breakdown of the information provided:

Book Title: Niryavalika Sutra (निरयावलिका सूत्र) Author(s): Madhukarmuni (editor), Shobhachad Bharilla (mentioned in the catalog link, but the document primarily refers to Madhukarmuni as the convener and chief editor), Devkumar Shastri (Translator & Annotator). Publisher: Shri Agam Prakashan Samiti, Beawar (Rajasthan). Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/003461/1 Occasion of Publication: Published on the Holy Remembrance occasion of Rev. Guru Shri Joravarmalji Maharaj. Content:

• The Niryavalika Sutra is an Upang (secondary scripture) of Jain Agamas.
• It comprises five separate but related texts:
  1. Kappia (कप्पिया), also known as Niryavaliya-Niryavalika (निरयावलिया-निरयावलिका).
  2. Kappavadinsia (कप्पवडिंसिया).
  3. Pupphia (पुष्पिका).
  4. Pupphachulia (पुष्पचूलिया).
  5. Vahnidasa (वण्हिदसा), also referred to as Vrsnidasan (वृष्णिदशा).
• These five texts are generally known collectively as Niryavalika.
• The primary characteristic of these texts is their narrative (story-based) nature.
• Kappia/Niryavalika: Describes the ten sons of Magadha Emperor Shrenik, including their descent into hell.
• Kappavadinsia: Details the migration to heaven of the ten sons of Kaal (and their ten sons).
• Pupphia and Pupphachulia: Contain the life stories of Devs (celestial beings) and Devis (celestial females), respectively.
• Vahnidasa/Vrshnidasan: Chronicles the biographies of Yadu dynasty princes.
• These Upangas are considered important for historical research due to the inclusion of many historical facts.

Key Personalities Associated with the Publication:

• Pujya Gurudev Shri Joravarmalji Maharaj: The publication is organized in his memory.
• Yuvacharya Shri Madhukar Muni (Late): Convener and Founder Editor.
• Up-pravartaka Shasansevi (Late) Swami Shri Brijlalji Maharaj: Inspiring Soul.
• Devkumar Jain: Translator & Annotator.
• Mahasati Shri Umravkunwarji 'Archana': Direction.
• Muni Shri Kanhaiyalalji 'Kamal': Anuyogapravartaka.
• Acharya Shri Devendra Muni Shastri, Shri Ratan Muni: Members of the Board of Editors.
• Munishri Vinayakumar 'Bhima': Promotor.
• Shri Devkumar Jain: Correction & Supervision.
• Shri Sagar Mal Betala: Acting President of Shri Agam Prakashan Samiti.
• Shri Ratan Chand Modi: Secretary.
• Shri Sardar Mal Choradiya: President.
• Shri Gyan Chand Vinayakiya: General Secretary.
• Shri Madhukarmuni: Principal Editor.

Dedication: The book is respectfully dedicated in memory of Munishri Mangilalji M.Sa., who was an embodiment of knowledge and conduct.

Financial Supporters:

• Shri Harkchandji Betala, Deh, Indore.
• Shri Badalchandji Mehta, Indore.

Introduction/Foreword (Prakashkiya):

• This is the third edition of the Niryavalika Sutra.
• It emphasizes the propagation of original Jain literature and fulfilling the aspirations of the late Yuvacharya Shri Madhukar Muni.
• Gratitude is expressed to all contributors.

Adiwachan (Aadi-Vachan - From the First Edition):

• Discusses the concept of "Atma Satta" (soul existence) and self-realization as contemplated by philosophers.
• Explains that Jain philosophy believes in overcoming impurities (Raga-Dvesha) through practice, leading to the manifestation of the soul's inherent powers (knowledge, bliss, strength).
• Defines "Agam" as the teachings of omniscient beings (Sarvajna/Aaptapurush), which provide true knowledge of reality and conduct.
• Highlights the compilation of the teachings of the Tirthankaras by their disciples (Ganadharas) into "Agamas" or scriptures.
• Mentions the twelve Angas (main scriptures) and their development into Upangas.
• Discusses the historical evolution of Agamas from oral tradition to being written down, the challenges of loss of knowledge, and the efforts to preserve and publish them.
• Traces the lineage of scholars and monks involved in the editing and publication of Agamas, highlighting the efforts of various traditions within Jainism.
• Mentions the specific textual tradition of the Sthanakvasi Jains.
• Details the resolution of the late Yuvacharya Shri Madhukar Muni to publish pure and useful editions of Agamas for common benefit.

Niryavalika: A Critical Study (Niryavalika: Ek Sameekshatmak Adhyayan):

• Reiterates that Agamas are the oldest part of Jain literature.
• Explains the concept of Tirthankara as a "pravachankar" (one who expounds).
• Discusses the division of Agamas into Angapravishta and Angabahya, and the categorization of Angabahya into Kalika and Utkalika by Acharya Devavachak. The Upangas are included in Angabahya.
• The exact timing of the determination of Upanga-Agamas is unclear, but they are believed to have been conceived alongside the Angas.
• While Angas were composed by Ganadharas, Upangas are attributed to Sthaviras (senior monks). Their subject matter and exposition differ from Angas.
• Provides examples of Angas and their related Upangas, noting that Upangas are not always direct supplements to the Angas but have their own distinct themes.
• Explains the name "Niryavaliya" and its meaning in relation to the description of beings going to hell.
• Provides details about the structure of the Niryavaliya text: one Shrutaskandha, 52 Adhyayanas, 5 Varga (sections), approximately 1100 verses in the original text.
• Niryavaliya's First Varga: Contains ten Adhyayanas describing Kumaar Kaal and others.
• Emperor Shrenik: A Study: Discusses the historical significance of the Upanga for understanding ancient Magadha. It details Shrenik's names in Jain and Buddhist traditions and the concept of eighteen categories of guilds (Shreni). It also mentions the names of Shrenik's queens as per Jain literature (25 queens, including Nanda, Nandamati, etc.) and Buddhist literature (500 queens, Kosala Devi, Ksema, Padmavati). It also lists Shrenik's 36 sons, with Kounik (Ajatashatru) as the heir apparent. It highlights the parallel accounts of Shrenik and Ajatashatru in Jain and Buddhist traditions and their differences.
• Mahashilakantaka Sangrama: Describes Kounik's conflicts and division of his kingdom.
• Jain Tradition's View on Hell: Contrasts Jain beliefs with Vedic traditions regarding death in battle, emphasizing that Jainism does not promise heavenly rebirth for warriors but rather the possibility of any realm based on karma. It describes the seven hells in Jainism.
• Buddhist Tradition's View on Hell: Lists eight hells according to Buddhist texts.
• Vedic Tradition's View on Hell: Notes that early Vedic texts don't mention hell, but Upanishads do. Yoga Darshan and Srimad Bhagvat mention various hells.
• The Niryavalika text concludes with the description of ten sons of Shrenik who went to hell due to their actions, while their brothers embraced Jainism and attained liberation. It also mentions their mothers who were liberated through the Jain path.
• Kappavadinsia: Describes the birth and initiation of ten sons of Shrenik's ten sons (grandchildren) who attained heaven through their good deeds, highlighting the contrast with their fathers who went to hell. It emphasizes that human effort can change one's destiny. It also mentions the one-party rule in Magadha during the time of Lord Mahavir and Lord Buddha, making the Agam useful for understanding the social conditions of that era.
• Pupphia: Describes ten studies including those of celestial beings like Chandra, Surya, Shukra, Bahuputrika, Purnabhadra, Dutta, Shiva, Bala, and Anadrita. It recounts the stories of their previous lives and their connection to Lord Parshvanatha and Lord Mahavir. It also details various ascetic practices prevalent at that time.
• Pupphachulia: Consists of ten studies focusing on various female celestial beings (Shri, Hri, Dhriti, Kirti, Buddhi, Lakshmi, Ila, Sura, Rasa, Gandha). Their stories revolve around their previous lives as disciples of Goddess Pushpachula, their adherence to ritual purity, and their future liberation in Mahavideha. It emphasizes the historical importance of this text for understanding the lives of female ascetics in the time of Lord Parshvanatha.
• Vahnidasa/Vrshnidasan: Details the genealogies of twelve princes of the Vrishni dynasty. It narrates stories related to Krishna Vasudeva, Baladeva, and Lord Aristhanemi. It highlights the importance of Lord Aristhanemi and compares the Yadu dynasty accounts with those in Srimad Bhagvat and Harivamsa Purana.
• Concluding Remarks on Niryavalika: The text concludes by stating that the Niryavalika Shrutaskandha has five Varga (sections) and that the information about the end of Niryavalika appearing at the end of Vrshnidasan suggests that these five Upangas were once considered a single text.
• Commentaries (Vyakhya Sahitya): Mentions the existence of brief Sanskrit commentaries by Shrichandrasuri (also known as Parshvadevgani) and a simple, understandable commentary by Acharya Ghasilalji Maharaj. It also lists various published editions of the Niryavalika Sutra in different languages and by different committees.

The Current Edition:

• The current edition is published by Shri Agam Prakashan Samiti, Beawar, under the leadership of Yuvacharya Madhukar Muni Maharaj as part of the 32 Agamas publication series.
• It contains the pure original text, its meaning, and appendices.
• Devkumar Jain is the translator and editor, with the contribution of Pandit Shobhachandji Bharill noted for his detailed work.
• The preface writer (Devendra Muni Shastri) notes personal health challenges prevented a more extensive preface but hopes the text will be a guiding light for readers.

Table of Contents (Vishayanukram):

• Lists the five Varga (sections) of the first Varga (Kalpika - Niryavalika) and their respective Adhyayanas (chapters).
• Lists the Adhyayanas for the subsequent sections (Kalpavatansika, Pushpika, Pushpachulia, Vahnisdasha).

Appendices:

• Mahabal Charitam (महाबलचरितम्)
• Drudhapratigya (दृढप्रतिज्ञ) - (Relevant excerpts)
• Name List (Vyakti Nam Suchi) - Listing names mentioned in the text.

Anadhyayanakal (Unadhyayanakaal):

• This section, cited from Nandi Sutra edited by Acharya Shri Atmaramji M., describes the periods when studying scriptures is prohibited in Jainism. It lists ten reasons related to the sky and ten related to the physical body, as well as festivals and times of day that are considered unpropitious for study.

Overall, this document serves as a detailed introduction to the Niryavalika Sutra and its associated Upangas, providing context, summarizing the content of each section, and acknowledging the contributors and historical background of the publication.