Agam Deep 09 Anuttarovavaiadasao Gujarati Anuvaad - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the content of "Agam Deep 09 Anuttarovavaiadasao Gujarati Anuvaad":

This document is a Gujarati translation and commentary titled "Agam Deep 09 Anuttarovavaiadasao Gujarati Anuvaad," authored by Muni Deepratna Sagar and published by Agam Shrut Prakashan. The work is part of a larger series called "Agam Deep," which aims to present the Jain Agamas with Gujarati explanations ("Gurjar Chhaya"). This particular volume focuses on the ninth Anga Sutra, Anuttaroupapātikadaśā, also known as Anuttaroupapātikadaśā-sūtra.

Key aspects of the publication and its content:

Purpose: The series aims to make the sacred Jain texts accessible to Gujarati-speaking readers by providing their meaning and context.
Author: Muni Deepratna Sagar is credited with the "Gurjar Chhaya" (Gujarati commentary and explanation).
Content Focus (Anuttaroupapātikadaśā): This text describes the lives and spiritual journeys of individuals who attain rebirth in the Anuttara heavens, the highest and most blissful celestial realms in Jain cosmology. These beings are distinguished by their exceptional penance, virtue, and the resulting pure and elevated spiritual attainment.
Structure of Anuttaroupapātikadaśā: According to the text, the Anuttaroupapātikadaśā is divided into three vargas (sections), each containing a specific number of adhyayanas (lessons or chapters):
- Varga 1: Contains ten adhyayanas.
- Varga 2: Contains thirteen adhyayanas.
- Varga 3: Contains ten adhyayanas.
- In total, there are thirty-three adhyayanas in this Anga Sutra.
Narrative Style: The text recounts the stories of various individuals, primarily princes and noblemen, who renounce worldly pleasures and pursue rigorous asceticism. Their lives are depicted from their birth, education in worldly arts, marriage, and eventual renunciation and spiritual practice.
Key Figures and Narratives:
- Jālikumār (Jāli Kumāra): The first adhyayana of Varga 1 describes the story of Jālikumār, born to King Shrenika and Queen Chelana in Rajagriha. After a life of indulgence, he renounces the world, practices severe penance, and ultimately attains rebirth in a Vijaya Vimana (a type of Anuttara heaven). His life story serves as a template for subsequent narratives.
- Other Princes: The text details the lives of numerous other princes, such as Dīrghasena, Mahāsena, Ladatta, and many others from Varga 2, and Dhanna, Sunakshatra, Rishadas, Pallaka, and others from Varga 3. These narratives generally follow a pattern: birth into royal families, opulent lives, witnessing a moment of spiritual awakening or divine inspiration, renunciation, severe penance (often characterized by fasting, abstinence, and other austerities), and eventual rebirth in the highest heavens, from where they are destined for liberation (moksha).
- Dhanna Kumāra: The story of Dhanna Kumāra in Varga 3 is particularly detailed. It highlights his extreme austerities, leading to severe emaciation of his body, described with vivid imagery comparing his shrunken limbs and features to dried plants, animal parts, and even inanimate objects. Despite this physical deterioration, his inner radiance and spiritual focus are emphasized. His rigorous penance is presented as the reason why Lord Mahavir Swami identifies him as someone performing difficult austerities and achieving great spiritual merit (nirjara).
- The Role of Mothers: In many stories, the mothers of these princes play a significant role, either by their dreams foretelling their son's future or by their initial resistance to their son's renunciation, as seen with Bhadra Sārthavāhini and Dhanna Kumāra.
Spiritual Progression: The ultimate destination for these individuals, after their lives of penance and rebirth in the Anuttara heavens, is Mahavideha Kshetra, where they will eventually attain complete liberation (Siddhahood).
Commentary Style: Muni Deepratna Sagar's "Gurjar Chhaya" likely provides explanations of Jain philosophical concepts, the significance of specific practices, and the context within the broader Jain tradition. The text frequently refers to other scriptures and figures, such as the Bhagavati Sutra and Skandhak Muni, for comparative understanding.
Patronage and Publication: The document indicates the financial support received for the publication, listing various individuals and organizations as "Mukhya Dravya Sahāyak" (primary financial supporters) and "Ārthik Anudātā" (economic donors). This highlights a collective effort in preserving and disseminating Jain scriptures.
Catalog Context: The catalog link provided suggests this book is part of a collection of Jain scriptures and related works, possibly a library or a publishing house's catalog.

In essence, "Agam Deep 09 Anuttarovavaiadasao Gujarati Anuvaad" is a crucial resource for understanding a specific section of the Jain Agamas, offering detailed accounts of ascetics who achieve exceptionally high spiritual states, culminating in rebirth in the Anuttara heavens and ultimately liberation. The Gujarati commentary makes this complex spiritual knowledge accessible to a wider audience.