Agam 33 Prakirnak 10 Viratthao Sutra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 33 Prakirnak 10 Viratthao Sutra," based on the provided pages, which cover the introduction, context, and commentary of the "Veerstava Prakirnak":

Book Title: Agam 33 Prakirnak 10 Viratthao Sutra (Veerstava Prakirnak) Authors: Edited by Muni Punyavijay, Translated by Dr. Subhash Kothari, Foreword by Prof. Sagarmal Jain. Publisher: Agam Ahimsa Samta Evam Prakrit Samsthan, Udaipur.

Overview:

The "Viratthao Sutra," specifically the "Veerstava Prakirnak," is a Jain scripture that focuses on the glorification of Lord Mahavira. The provided text is an edited and translated version of this Prakirnak, offering extensive introductions and a detailed explanation of its content.

Key Aspects and Content:

1. Context of Jain Agamas and Prakirnakas:

   • The introduction emphasizes the significance of Jain Agamas as the foundation of Jain tradition, akin to sacred texts in other religions.
   • It highlights that Jain Agamas are not divine revelations but compilations of the teachings of enlightened beings (Arhats and Rishis) who achieved truth through spiritual discipline.
   • The text explains the division of Jain Agamas into Angapravishta (primary canonical texts) and Angabahya (external scriptures), with Prakirnakas falling under the Angabahya category.
   • The classification of Prakirnakas is discussed, noting their mention in texts like the Nandi Sutra and Pacchanna Sutra, categorized as Kalik (time-bound) and Utkalik (time-independent).

2. Definition and Significance of Prakirnakas:

   • Prakirnakas are generally defined as scriptures compiled on diverse topics.
   • Traditionally, they are believed to have been composed by disciples of the Tirthankaras, often reflecting devotional or philosophical themes.
   • The text notes varying numbers and names of Prakirnakas across different sources, indicating a dynamic tradition of their compilation and recognition.

3. The "Veerstava Prakirnak":

   • Meaning: "Veerstava" is a combination of "Vir" (referring to Lord Mahavira) and "Stava" (hymn or praise), literally meaning "Praise of Vir."
   • Content: The core of the Veerstava Prakirnak consists of a hymn to Lord Mahavira, glorifying him through the exposition and etymological explanation of twenty-six names attributed to him.
   • The Twenty-Six Names and Their Explanations: The Prakirnak elaborates on names such as:
     • Arha: One who has burned the karmic seeds of birth and death.
     • Arihant: Destroyer of enemies like karma, passion, and obstacles.
     • Arhanta: Worthy of worship, honored by gods and humans.
     • Deva: One who sports with spiritual powers and enjoys ultimate happiness.
     • Jina: Conqueror of passions and enemies.
     • Vira: Brave and fearless, adorned with austerities.
     • Paramkarunik: Excessively compassionate to all beings.
     • Sarvajna: Knower of past, present, and future.
     • Sarvadarshi: Seer of all forms and activities.
     • Paraga: One who helps others cross the ocean of karma.
     • Trikalavijna: Knower of the three periods of time.
     • Natha: Guide and protector of the helpless.
     • Vitaraaga: Free from attachment and aversion.
     • Kevali: Possessor of infinite, unobstructed knowledge.
     • Tribhuvan Guru: Teacher of the three worlds.
     • Sarva: Destroyer of suffering for all beings.
     • Tribhuvan Shrestha: Superior in strength, knowledge, and form.
     • Bhagavan: Possessor of six types of spiritual glory.
     • Tirthankara: Founder of the four-fold order (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen).
     • Shakebdra Namaskrit: Worshipped by Indra, the king of gods.
     • Jineendra: The supreme among the Jin.
     • Vardhamana: One whose glory and wealth grew.
     • Hari: Symbolized by conch, discus, and bow; giver of charity.
     • Hara: Remover of internal and external impurities.
     • Kamalasan: Residing on a lotus or having lotus-like qualities; also associated with Brahmā.
     • Buddha: Possessor of perfect knowledge.
   • Compositional Style: The hymn utilizes etymological explanations of these names to praise Mahavira's attributes. It concludes with a plea for the gift of pure, eternal salvation.

4. Historical and Literary Significance:

   • The text traces the tradition of devotional literature in India, noting its presence in Vedic and later Hindu texts, and its evolution within the Shramana traditions.
   • It highlights that while Jainism is fundamentally non-theistic, the worship and praise of Tirthankaras, particularly Mahavira, developed over time, leading to stotra literature.
   • Early hymns like the "Veerstuti" in Sutrakritanga are mentioned as precursors.
   • The "Veerstava" is seen as an early example of a stotra that, while not directly asking for material boons, sets the stage for later hymns that might include such requests, potentially influenced by other traditions.
   • The introduction also discusses the comparative aspects of these names and attributes with those found in Vedic, Buddhist, and later Jain texts, showing the cross-pollination of ideas and appellations.

5. Manuscript Sources and Authorship:

   • The edition is based on manuscripts collected by Muni Punyavijay.
   • The author of the Veerstava Prakirnak is not explicitly mentioned, which is common for ancient Jain texts. However, the possibility of Veerabhadra, a historical figure associated with Jain literature, being the author is speculated upon, placing the composition potentially around the 10th century CE. The lack of explicit authorship is seen as a sign of the author's humility and the work's adherence to ancient traditions.

In Summary:

The "Viratthao Sutra" (Veerstava Prakirnak) is a significant Jain text that offers a detailed, etymologically-driven praise of Lord Mahavira through twenty-six of his epithets. The accompanying scholarly introduction contextualizes the Prakirnak within the broader framework of Jain Agamic literature, discusses the evolution of devotional literature in Jainism, and provides insights into the historical and linguistic aspects of the names attributed to Mahavira. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding Jain devotional practices and the richness of its scriptural tradition.