Agam 20 Kalpavatansika Sutra Hindi Anuwad - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Agam 20 Kalpavatansika Sutra Hindi Anuwad," authored by Dipratnasagar and Deepratnasagar:

This document is the Hindi translation and commentary of the Kalpavartansika Sutra, which is designated as the 20th Agam (scripture) and the 9th Upanga (secondary scripture) within the Jain canon. The translation and editing have been undertaken by Muni Dippratnasagar, who holds the title of "Agam Diwakar" and is a renowned scholar.

The text is part of a larger series of Agam translations into Hindi. The Kalpavartansika Sutra is described as having ten Adhyayanas (chapters or studies):

Padma (पद्म)
Mahapadma (महापद्म)
Bhadra (भद्र)
Subhadra (सुभद्र)
Padmaprabh (पद्मप्रभ)
Padmasen (पद्मसेन)
Padmagulma (पद्मगुल्म)
Nalinagulma (नलिनगुल्म)
Anand (आनन्द)
Nandan (नन्दन)

Summary of the Content (based on the provided pages):

The document details the content of the first two studies and provides a summary for the remaining eight. The narrative revolves around the lives and spiritual journeys of princes who eventually become ascetics.

Adhyayana 1: Padma (Page 5)
- The study begins with a dialogue where a disciple (Ayushman Jambu) asks Lord Mahavir about the meaning of the second section of the Nirayavalika (another Upanga), and Lord Mahavir reveals the ten studies of the Kalpavartansika.
- The focus then shifts to the first study, Padma. It narrates the story of Princess Padmavati, wife of Prince Kunik, who dreams of a lion and subsequently gives birth to a son named Padmakumar.
- Padmakumar is described as having exceptional qualities, marrying eight princesses, and living a life of luxury.
- Upon Lord Mahavir's arrival and discourse, Padmakumar, with permission from his parents, renounces worldly life and becomes an ascetic (anagar).
- As an ascetic, he studies the eleven Angas from Lord Mahavir and practices severe austerities, becoming emaciated.
- During a midnight meditation, Padmakumar contemplates his spiritual path. He decides to seek guidance from Lord Mahavir and undertake the pādopagaman saṃsthāra (a ritualistic fast unto death) on Vipula mountain. After five years of ascetic life and observing strict rules, he finally passes away.
- Lord Gautam inquires about Padmakumar's future rebirth. Lord Mahavir explains that after purifying himself through practices like ālocanā-pratikramaṇa (confession and repentance), he will be reborn as a celestial being in the Saudharma Kalpa (heavenly realm) for two sāgaropama (a unit of celestial time).
- Upon the expiration of his celestial life, he will be reborn in Mahavideha Kshetra and attain liberation (Siddhahood), ending the cycle of birth and death.
Adhyayana 2: Mahapadma (Page 6)
- This study follows a similar pattern. It introduces Prince Sukal, son of Queen Sukali and King Shrenik, and his wife Mahapadma.
- Mahapadma also experiences a dream, leading to the birth of a son named Mahapadma.
- The narrative states that Mahapadma will eventually achieve liberation in Mahavideha Kshetra.
- A key difference mentioned is that Mahapadma will be reborn in the Ishana Kalpa and will have a lifespan slightly more than two sāgaropama.
Adhyayanas 3 to 10 (Page 6)
- The text then summarizes the remaining eight studies. It states that the narratives of these studies are similar to the first two, focusing on sons born to mothers with similar names to those in the previous studies.
- The ascetics from these studies have varying lengths of their spiritual journeys:
  - Padma and Mahapadma: five years
  - Bhadra, Subhadra, and Padmaprabh: four years
  - Padmasen, Padmagulma, and Nalinagulma: three years
  - Anand and Nandan: two years
- All these princes are grandchildren of King Shrenik.
- The text details their subsequent rebirths as celestial beings in different heavenly realms:
  - 1st (Padma): Saudharma Kalpa
  - 2nd (Mahapadma): Ishana Kalpa
  - 3rd (Bhadra): Sanatkumara Kalpa
  - 4th (Subhadra): Mahendra Kalpa
  - 5th (Padmaprabh): Brahmaloka
  - 6th (Padmasen): Lantaka Kalpa
  - 7th (Padmagulma): Mahashukra
  - 8th (Nalinagulma): Sahasrar Kalpa
  - 9th (Anand): Prāṇata Kalpa
  - 10th (Nandan): Achyuta Kalpa
- All are stated to have excellent lifespans in their respective heavenly abodes.
- After their celestial lives, all of them will descend to Mahavideha Kshetra and attain liberation.

Publisher and Author Information:

The publication is by Dipratnasagar and Deepratnasagar.
The translator and editor is Muni Dippratnasagar, identified as "Agam Diwakar" and a holder of M.Com., M.Ed., and Ph.D. degrees, along with the title "Shrut Maharshi."
The work is presented as the 20th volume in the "Agam Hindi-Anuvad-Shreni" (Agam Hindi Translation Series).
Contact information for Muni Dippratnasagar is provided, including an email address and phone number.

In essence, the Kalpavartansika Sutra, as presented in this translated work, narrates the lives of ten princely figures who, after experiencing worldly life and dreams, embrace asceticism, practice austerities, and ultimately achieve celestial rebirths before their final liberation in Mahavideha Kshetra. The work is a significant contribution to making Jain Agamic literature accessible in Hindi.