Agam 19 Upang 08 Niryavalika Sutra Sthanakvasi

This document is the Gujarati translation and publication of the Niryavalika Sutra, which is the eighth Upanga of the Agam literature in Jainism. Titled "Agam 19 Upang 08 Niryavalika Sutra Sthanakvasi," it is part of the "Guru Pran Agam Batrisi" (Thirty-two Agams of Guru Pran).

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

Core Content and Purpose:

• Niryavalika Sutra: This text is a part of the Angabahya (external Agams) in Jainism, specifically an Upanga. It is presented as a collection of five Varg (classes or sections):
  1. Nirayavalika: Deals with beings destined for hellish realms.
  2. Kalpavatsika: Discusses beings in celestial realms (Devlok).
  3. Pushpika: Describes beings related to celestial phenomena or with specific spiritual states.
  4. Pushpachulika: Further elaborates on celestial beings or spiritual states.
  5. Vrushni Dasha: Focuses on the Vrushni dynasty and associated figures.
• Purpose of the Work: The publication aims to make these ancient Jain Agams accessible to the Gujarati-speaking community by providing the original text (Mulpath), Gujarati translation (Bhavarth), commentary (Vivechan), and appendices (Parishisht). The effort is dedicated to the spiritual lineage of Guru Pranalalji Maharaj Saheb and Guru Rutilalji Maharaj Saheb.
• Compilation and Translation: The translation and compilation were undertaken by respected Mahasatjis: Pujya Mahasati Shri Lilambaiji M. (Chief Editor), Dr. Sadhvi Shri Aarti Bai M., and Sadhvi Shri Subodhika Bai M. (Co-editors). Pujya Mahasati Shri Kiran Bai M. is credited with the translation of this specific Sutra.

Key Themes and Narratives within the Sutra (as highlighted in the introductions and summaries):

• Historical and Moral Narratives: The Sutra recounts various life stories and incidents, often emphasizing the consequences of actions (karma).
  • Nirayavalika (First Class): Features the story of King Kalanikumar and the Battle of Rathmusala, highlighting the tragic war between Vaishali (led by King Chetak) and Magadha (led by Kunic), which resulted in immense destruction and the downfall of Vaishali. It also details the tragic fate of Kalanikumar and his brothers, who were sent to hell due to their negative karma, and the story of King Shrenik's mistaken actions leading to his imprisonment and death. The narrative emphasizes the complexity of karma and its long-lasting effects.
  • Kalpavatsika (Second Class): Focuses on the lives of various individuals who attain celestial births (Devlok) after their earthly lives, demonstrating the results of good deeds and spiritual practice.
  • Pushpika (Third Class): Explores the past lives and future destinies of celestial beings like Chandradev, Suryadev, Shukradev, and others, emphasizing how actions in past lives influence present states and future liberation. The story of Somil Brahmin is particularly detailed, illustrating the journey from flawed spiritual practice to renewed faith and eventual celestial and then liberated state.
  • Pushpachulika (Fourth Class): Describes the lives of ten goddesses, whose past lives involved spiritual discipline but also some lapses, leading to celestial births. It highlights the importance of maintaining strict discipline and the consequences of attachment to the physical body.
  • Vrushni Dasha (Fifth Class): Narrates the lives of twelve princes from the Vrushni lineage, their spiritual journeys, celestial births, and eventual liberation in Mahavideh Kshetra. The stories of Nishadh Kumar and his lineage are detailed.
• Emphasis on Jain Principles: The text implicitly and explicitly promotes core Jain tenets such as:
  • Karma Siddhanta: The law of cause and effect, where actions in past lives determine present circumstances and future destinies.
  • Ahimsa (Non-violence): Even in accounts of war, the emphasis on the consequences of violence is present.
  • Aparigraha (Non-possession): The detachment from material possessions and worldly pleasures is shown as a path to liberation.
  • Samyam (Self-control): The importance of controlling senses and desires for spiritual progress.
  • Vairagya (Detachment): The narratives often show characters moving from worldly attachments to renunciation and spiritual pursuits.
  • Importance of Guru and Spiritual Guidance: The text showcases the role of enlightened beings (Tirthankaras, Gandharas, Acharyas, Mahasatjis) in guiding individuals towards liberation.
• Cultural and Historical Context: The descriptions of cities like Rajagriha and Dwarka, the social customs, royal lineages (like King Shrenik, Kunic, Chetak), and the mention of various types of ascetics and their practices provide a glimpse into the historical and cultural milieu of ancient India during the time of Lord Mahavir and Lord Parshvanath.

Publication Details and Acknowledgements:

• Publisher: Guru Pran Prakashan, Mumbai.
• Dedication: The work is dedicated to the memory of Guru Pranalalji M.SA. and Guru Rutilalji M.SA., and honors the lineage of Gurudev Shri Dungarsinhji M.SA., Saurashtra Kesari GuruDev Shri Pranalalji M.SA., and Tap Samrat GuruDev Shri Rutilalji M.SA.
• Contributors and Supporters: Numerous individuals and organizations are acknowledged for their support, including:
  • Primary Donors (Shrutadhar): Shri Kishorbhai Nandlal Shah and Shri Vimal Chand Lalchand Shah family.
  • Editors and Translators: Pujya Shri Lilambai M., Dr. Sadhvi Shri Aarti Bai M., Sadhvi Shri Subodhika Bai M., Sadhvi Shri Kiran Bai M.
  • Guidance and Inspiration: Pujya Shri Jayantmuni M.SA., Pujya Shri Girishchandramuni M.SA., Pujya Shri Janakmuni M.SA., Pujya Shri Namramuni M.SA., and many other Munivars and Mahasatjis.
  • Publishers and Supporters: Guru Pran Prakashan, Parasdham.
  • Computerization and Printing: Shri Nehal Hasmukhbhai Mehta and team.
• Editions: The publication is the second edition, with the first edition having been published in 1997-98 (during the birth centenary of Shri Pranalguru) and reprinted in 2009.
• Contact Information: Details for obtaining the book are provided, including addresses in Mumbai, USA, and Rajkot, along with phone numbers and websites (www.parasdham.org, www.jainaagam.org).

Key Figures Mentioned:

• Lord Mahavir Swami: The primary source of the Agam teachings.
• Lord Parshvanath: Mentioned in the context of past lives.
• Lord Neminath (Arishtanemi): Mentioned as the twenty-second Tirthankar.
• Gandharas (like Gautam Swami, Aryavardhan Swami): Disciples who compiled the teachings.
• Gurus: Guru Pranalalji M.SA., Guru Rutilalji M.SA., Guru Dungarsinhji M.SA., Guru Jayantmuni M.SA., Guru Girishchandramuni M.SA., Guru Janakmuni M.SA., Guru Namramuni M.SA., Guru Lilambai M., Guru Aarti Bai M., Guru Subodhika Bai M., Guru Kiran Bai M., and others.
• Kings and Queens: Shrenik, Kunic, Chetak, Kalanikumar, Vehellakumara, Padmavati, Kalikana, Chelana, Nandini, etc.
• Historical Figures: Somil Brahmin, Angati Seth, Bhuta, Bhadra, etc.

Overall Impression:

The Niryavalika Sutra, as presented in this publication, is a rich repository of Jain teachings, interwoven with compelling narratives of past lives, moral lessons, and the consequences of actions. The dedication and efforts of the Mahasatjis and the supporting community in translating and publishing this ancient text are commendable, aiming to spread spiritual knowledge and foster devotion among Jain followers. The emphasis on the complex journey of the soul, its potential for both downfall and ultimate liberation, is a central theme.