Agam Deep 23 Vanhidasanam Gujarati Anuvaad

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Title: Agam Deep 23 Vanhidasanam Gujarati Anuvaad (Agam Lamp, 23rd: Vanhidasanam, Gujarati Translation)

Author: Muni Dipratna-Sagar (Jyotishacharya Raj Shri Jayprabh Vijayji)

Publisher: Agam Shrut Prakashan

Core Content:

This text is a Gujarati translation and commentary ("Gurjar Chhaya") of the Vanhidasanam (or Vahidasanam), which is identified as the 12th Upanga Sutra within the Jain Agamas. The book is part of a larger series called "Agam Deep" (Agam Lamp), which aims to provide accessible interpretations of the Jain scriptures.

Key Elements and Structure:

• Purpose: The primary goal of this publication is to explain and elucidate the Vanhidasanam Sutra for Gujarati-speaking readers. The "Gurjar Chhaya" refers to the explanatory commentary or translation.
• Series: It is volume 23 in the "Agam Deep" series, which covers the first four Agamas (Acharanga, Suyagdada, Sthana, and Samavayanga) and other scriptures.
• Author/Commentator: Muni Dipratna-Sagar is credited as the "Gurjar Chhaya Karta" (Author of Gujarati Explanation). The introductory pages also acknowledge Jyotishacharya Raj Shri Jayprabh Vijayji.
• Sponsorship and Support: The publication acknowledges significant financial support from various individuals and Jain Sanghs, including Shri Parshva Padmavati Jain Sangh, Shri D.K. Thakkar, Shri Jagdishbhai M. Shah, Smt. Naynaben Rameshchandra Shah, Dr. Pinakin N. Shah, and others. This indicates a community effort in bringing these scriptures to a wider audience.
• Cost: The publication mentions a price of Rs. 2000/-, indicating it's a substantial work.
• Structure of Vanhidasanam (as presented):
  • The text states that Vanhidasanam is the 12th Upanga and is divided into 12 Adhyayanas (chapters).
  • The summary specifically highlights Adhyayan-1 as being presented in detail, with pages 307-311 covering its content. The subsequent chapters (Adhyayan-2 to 12) are mentioned as being covered sequentially from page 312 onwards.
• Content of Adhyayan-1 (Summary within the text):
  • The first Adhyayan begins with a dialogue between Shramana Bhagavan Shri Mahavir Swami and Jambu.
  • It references the Pushpachula (fourth varga of Niryaavalika) and then moves to the Vahidasanam (fifth varga).
  • The first Adhyayan describes the city of Dwaravati, its grandeur, and its location near the Revata mountain.
  • It details the Nandanvan garden near Revata mountain and the Yaksha temple of Surapriya Yaksha.
  • The narrative introduces King Krishna (Vasudeva) of Dwaravati, his lineage, his kingdom, and his family (Baladeva, Revati, etc.).
  • It recounts Revati's dream of a lion and the birth of their son, Nishadha Kumar.
  • The text describes the arrival of Lord Ariṣṭanemi and his sermon.
  • It mentions King Krishna's reaction to the sermon and his subsequent actions.
  • The Adhyayan then shifts to the story of Nishadha Kumar, his experiences, and his eventual renunciation and spiritual path under Acharya Siddartha.
  • Crucially, it details the past life (previous birth) of Nishadha Kumar as Virangadatta, his life in Rohid nagar, his mother Padmavati's dream, and his spiritual journey.
  • The story then follows Nishadha Kumar's development, his encounter with Varadatta Anagar (a disciple of Lord Ariṣṭanemi), and his own spiritual progress, including renunciation and asceticism.
  • A significant part of the Adhyayan focuses on the destination of Nishadha (now Nishadha Anagar) after his death. It states he attained Svargaloka (heavenly abode), specifically the Manorama Vimana in the Brahmaloka Kalpa, with a lifespan of ten sagaropamas.
  • It then traces his rebirth in Dwaravati as Baladeva's son, Nishadha, and his eventual path towards liberation.
  • The Adhyayan concludes with Nishadha Kumar's further spiritual progress and his eventual attainment of Kevala Gyana (omniscience) and Moksha (liberation).
• Agam List: The latter pages (8 and 10) provide an extensive list of the Jain Agamas, categorized into Angas, Upangas, Chedasutras, Mulasutras, Chulikas, and more, indicating the comprehensive nature of the "Agam Deep" series. It shows which "Agam Deep" volume corresponds to which Agama.
• Other Publications: Page 7 lists numerous other publications by "Abhinav Jain Prakashan" and "Agam Shrut Prakashan," covering various aspects of Jain philosophy, rituals, astrology, and more, demonstrating the publisher's commitment to disseminating Jain knowledge.

In Essence:

"Agam Deep 23 Vanhidasanam Gujarati Anuvaad" is a scholarly and devotional work that makes the Vanhidasanam, the 12th Upanga Sutra, accessible to Gujarati speakers. It provides a detailed commentary ("Gurjar Chhaya") on the first chapter of this scripture, which includes narratives about the city of Dwaravati, King Krishna, Lord Ariṣṭanemi, and the spiritual journeys of characters like Nishadha Kumar, highlighting their past lives, renunciation, ascetic practices, and ultimate liberation. The publication is a result of dedicated effort and community support in preserving and propagating Jain scriptures.