Agam 23 Upang 12 Vrashnidasha Sutra Sthanakvasi

This document is a Gujarati translation and publication of Agam 23 Upang 12 Vrashnidasha Sutra within the "Guru Pran Aagam Batrisi" series, published by Guru Pran Prakashan, Mumbai. The translation and publication were undertaken in memory of Pujya Shri Pranalalji Maharaj Saheb and in honor of Tapasamrat Pujya Shri Ratilalji Maharaj Saheb.

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Key Information & Content:

• Book Title: Agam 23 Upang 12 Vrashnidasha Sutra (within the Guru Pran Aagam Batrisi series).
• Translators/Authors: Pujya Shri Kiranbai Mahasati, Pujya Shri Artibai Mahasati, and Pujya Shri Subodhikabai Mahasati.
• Publisher: Guru Pran Prakashan, Mumbai.
• Dedication: The book is dedicated to Pujya Shri Pranalalji Maharaj Saheb and Pujya Shri Ratilalji Maharaj Saheb, commemorating their spiritual legacies and the publication of these Āgams.
• Spiritual Lineage & Gurus: The publication is supported by and dedicated to various revered Jain monks (Mahasangh) and scholars of the Gondal Gachh, including Pujya Shri Dungarsinhji Maharaj Saheb, Pujya Shri Pranalalji Maharaj Saheb, Pujya Shri Ratilalji Maharaj Saheb, Pujya Shri Jayantmuni Maharaj Saheb, Pujya Shri Girishchandramuni Maharaj Saheb, Pujya Shri Janakmunimuni Maharaj Saheb, and others.
• Purpose: The primary aim of the publication is to make the ancient Jain Āgamas accessible to the Gujarati-speaking community through translation, commentary, and elaboration, thereby promoting Jain teachings and spiritual understanding.
• Āgamic Tradition: The text emphasizes the importance of studying and preserving the Āgamas as the direct teachings of the Tirthankaras, passed down through generations of scholars and monks.
• Structure of the Āgamas: The introductory sections explain the division of Jain literature into Angas and Upangas, and the specific classification of the Upangas.
• Vrashnidasha Sutra (Upang 12):
  • This specific section is the fifth Varga (class) of the Upanga Sutras, known as Vrashnidasha.
  • It contains twelve Adhyayanas (chapters), focusing on the lineage of the Vrishni clan.
  • The text provides a detailed narrative of Nishadh Kumar, his past lives, his marriage, his renunciation, his spiritual journey, his attainment of celestial realms, and his future liberation.
  • It describes the socio-historical context of Dwarka city, its rulers (Krishna Vasudev, Baldev), the sacred Mount Raivatak, and the Nandana Garden.
  • The narrative emphasizes the principles of karma, renunciation, spiritual discipline, and the ultimate goal of liberation (moksha).
  • The structure of the Vrashnidasha Sutra is explained, noting that while it is considered one Sutra, its twelve Adhyayanas focus on different individuals from the Vrishni lineage.
• Commentary and Translation: The book includes the original Prakrit text (as indicated by the reproduced Gujarati script), followed by a Gujarati translation, commentary (Vivechan), and explanations of the narratives.
• Parishishta (Appendices): The book contains appendices providing:
  • Parishishta-1: Details of the life stories of the characters mentioned in the Sutra, including their past lives, future destinies, and lineage.
  • Parishishta-2: A list of notable individuals, deities, and places mentioned in the text.
  • Parishishta-3: An alphabetical index of discussed topics.
  • Parishishta-4: A discussion on the destruction of Vaishali as depicted in Buddhist literature, drawing parallels to Jain historical accounts.
• Emphasis on Spiritual Practices: The text highlights the importance of renunciation, devotion, study of scriptures, and adherence to Jain principles (Panchachar) for spiritual progress and ultimate liberation.
• Support and Sponsorship: The publication acknowledges numerous donors (Shrutdhar, Shrut Anumodak) who have contributed financially and spiritually to this endeavor, reflecting the community's commitment to preserving and disseminating Jain knowledge.
• "32 Agamas" Project: The publication is part of a larger project to translate and publish all 32 Agamas (comprising 12 Angas and 12 Upangas, along with other foundational texts) initiated by the Guru Pran Foundation.

In essence, this publication is a comprehensive scholarly and spiritual work aimed at making the Vrashnidasha Sutra, a significant part of the Jain Upanga literature, accessible and understandable to a wider audience, thereby fostering spiritual growth and adherence to the Jain way of life.