Agam 23 Vrushnidasha Sutra Hindi Anuwad

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Agam 23 Vrushnidasha Sutra Hindi Anuwad," in English:

This document is the Hindi translation and commentary of the Vrushnidasha Sutra, the 23rd Agam and 12th Upangasutra in Jain scripture, translated and edited by Muni Deepratnasagarji.

The text begins with traditional Jain salutations and acknowledgments. It then outlines the structure of the Vrushnidasha Sutra, stating it contains twelve studies (adhyayan).

Study 1: Nishadha

• The first study introduces a dialogue between Lord Mahavir and his disciple Jambu. Jambu inquires about the meaning of the fifth Upangasutra, Vrushnidasha, after learning about the fourth, Pushpachulika. Lord Mahavir explains that Vrushnidasha has twelve studies.
• The twelve studies are listed: Nishadha, Matali, Vaha, Vehala, Pagaya, Yukti, Dasharatha, Dridharatha, Mahadhanva, Saptadhanva, Dashadhanva, and Shatadhanva.
• The narrative then focuses on the first study, "Nishadha." It describes the city of Dwarka, its dimensions (12 yojanas long east-west, 9 yojanas wide north-south), and its magnificent construction by Dhanapati. Dwarka is depicted as a celestial city, filled with joy and activity.
• Outside Dwarka, to the northeast, lies the Raivatak mountain, described as immensely tall and covered with various trees, creepers, and filled with the sounds of birds and animals. It is a place of natural beauty, with caves, waterfalls, and frequented by celestial beings and heroes of the Dasharatha lineage.
• Near the Raivatak mountain is the Nandanvan garden, a replica of the celestial Nandanvan, lush with flowers and fruits. At its center is the Yaksha temple of Sura-priya, a significant place of worship.
• The ruler of Dwarka is Krishna Vasudev, who governs a vast territory and a large population, including numerous kings, princes, warriors, and courtesans. His brother, Baldev, also plays a significant role in administering the kingdom.
• The story then introduces Revati, Baldev's wife, who dreams of a lion. This dream precedes the birth of their son, Nishadha. Nishadha learns seventy-two arts and marries fifty princesses. He lives a life of pleasure and entertainment.
• The text then mentions the arrival of Arhat Arishtanemi, the spiritual guide. Krishna Vasudev, upon hearing this, orders the sounding of a drum to gather the assembly. All the royal families, queens, courtesans, and prominent figures arrive, adorned and with due respect.
• Krishna Vasudev then prepares to greet Arhat Arishtanemi, adorning an elephant and assembling an army.
• Nishadha, residing in a palace, hears the commotion and, driven by curiosity, goes to listen to the discourse of Arhat Arishtanemi. He accepts the vows of a lay follower (shravak dharma) and returns home.
• The narrative then shifts to Varadatta, a principal disciple of Arhat Arishtanemi. He observes Nishadha and inquires from Arhat Arishtanemi how Nishadha attained such worldly prosperity.
• Arhat Arishtanemi explains Nishadha's past life in the city of Rohitaka. There, King Mahabal and Queen Padmavati ruled. Padmavati also dreamt of a lion, leading to the birth of their son, Virangada. Virangada married thirty-two princesses and enjoyed worldly pleasures.
• During this time, Acharya Siddharth, a learned monk, arrived at the Yaksha temple. Virangada, upon seeing the assembly and hearing the discourse, resolved to take monastic vows and became an ascetic.
• Virangada practiced severe austerities for forty-five years, purified his soul, and after undergoing a spiritual purification process, was reborn in the Manorama Viman of Brahmaloka Kalpa as a celestial being, with a lifespan of ten sagāropama.
• After his celestial lifespan ended, Virangada Dev reincarnated as Nishadha, the son of Revati and Baldev, in Dwarka. This explains Nishadha's immense human fortune.
• Varadatta then asks if Nishadha is capable of renouncing the world. Arhat Arishtanemi affirms this.
• Later, Arhat Arishtanemi leaves Dwarka. Nishadha becomes a knowledgeable lay follower.
• On an auspicious day (Paushadh), Nishadha, while meditating, contemplates the fortune of those who meet Arhat Arishtanemi. He wishes to meet and serve the Tirthankara if he visits the Nandanvan.
• Arhat Arishtanemi, aware of Nishadha's thoughts, arrives at the Nandanvan with 18,000 monks. Nishadha, overjoyed, receives permission from his parents and embarks on the path of renunciation, becoming an ascetic like Jamali.
• Nishadha then diligently studies the eleven Angas under Arhat Arishtanemi and practices austerities for nine years. He attains liberation (moksha) and is reborn in the Sarvarthasiddhi Viman, with a lifespan of thirty-three sagāropama.
• The text concludes by stating that after his celestial life, Nishadha Dev will be reborn in the city of Unnak in Mahavideha, attain complete knowledge, renounce the world, and ultimately achieve liberation.

Studies 2-12:

• The text states that the remaining eleven studies (adhyayan) convey similar meanings and can be understood through the "Sangrahani-gatha" (a summarizing verse) without any significant additions or omissions.

Conclusion:

• The Hindi translation and commentary of the Vrushnidasha Sutra, edited by Muni Deepratnasagarji, is declared complete. It is also noted that this marks the completion of the Nirayavalika Shrutaskandha and the Upangas.

The document also includes details about the publisher, contact information, and references to other Jain literature compiled or translated by Muni Deepratnasagarji.