Agam Padyanam Akaradikramen Anukramanika 01

The book "Agam Padyanam Akaradikramen Anukramanika 01" (आगमपद्यानाम् अकारादिक्रमेण अनुक्रमणिका - १) is a significant Jain text compiled and edited by Vinayrakshitvijay (विनयRakshitvijay). Published by Shastra Sandesh Mala, it serves as a comprehensive index of Jain Agam literature, meticulously organized in alphabetical order (Akaradi order).

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects based on the provided pages:

Core Purpose and Content:

• Indexing Agam Literature: The primary goal of this book is to provide an alphabetical index of verses (padyanam) from Jain Agam texts and other related works. This makes it easier for scholars and practitioners to locate specific verses and their sources within the vast Jain scriptural tradition.
• Vast Scope: The compilation is described as "अद्भुत, अद्वितीये, अपूर्व, अनुपम, अणमोल, अजोड, अवनवन, अनोखू, अवर्णनीय, अघरु, अशक्य, अटपटु, अनुमोदनीय, आवकारणीय आणि अति उपयोगी" (wonderful, unique, unprecedented, incomparable, priceless, unmatched, novel, unique, indescribable, difficult, impossible, intricate, commendable, welcome, and very useful). This highlights the extensive nature of the undertaking.
• Four-Volume Set: The index is presented as a four-volume set, with the first volume focusing on Agam texts. The total scope of the entire set is massive, encompassing 626 texts and approximately 1,77,000 verses (shlok).
• Volume 1 Contents: Specifically, the first volume (Anukramanika - 1) includes the index for 44 Agam texts plus the "Samveg Rangshala" (संवेगरंगशाला).
• Future Volumes: The summary mentions that subsequent volumes will cover:
  • Volume 2: 373 Prakrit texts.
  • Volume 3: 205 Sanskrit texts and the "Lodhrakaush" (लोध्रकाश).
  • Volume 4: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra and the texts "Vairagya Kalpalata" (वैराग्य कल्पलता) and "Vairagya Rati" (वैराग्य रति).

Compilation Process and Acknowledgements:

• Monolithic Effort: The text emphasizes that the monumental task of creating this index was largely completed by Vinayrakshitvijay himself.
• Technical Support: The "Akaraadi" software was developed by Shri Harishbhai Bhogilal Doshi of Rajkot. Type setting was handled by Sai Computers, Ahmedabad, and cover design by Khushi Designs, Ahmedabad. Printing and binding were done by Shivkrupa Offset Printers, Ahmedabad.
• Collaborative Verification: While Vinayrakshitvijay did the primary work, several individuals and institutions contributed to the accuracy and completeness of the index. This included verification of original texts by Munishri Hitrakshitvijiji, Munishri Krutitilakvijiji, Sadhvi Shri Bhadrajnashriji, and the esteemed Pandit Shri Ratilal Chimanlal Doshi.
• Financial Support: The publication of the second part of this index was generously supported by the Shri Jain Shvetambar Murti Pujak Tapgachh Sangh Trust, Rajkot, from their "Gyan Nidhi" (knowledge fund). Similar support from various Sangh organizations was acknowledged for other volumes.
• Goal of Facilitating Research: A key motivation was to help researchers and scholars easily find the source texts of verses quoted in commentaries, saving them significant time and effort. The index aims to bridge the gap where original texts are not easily identifiable.
• Acknowledging Limitations: The editors acknowledge that despite their best efforts to ensure accuracy, there might be minor errors due to computerization or their own limitations. They request forgiveness and kindly ask for any discovered discrepancies to be pointed out.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Alphabetical Order: The core feature is the alphabetical arrangement of verses, which allows for quick retrieval of information.
• Cross-referencing: The index is designed to help users find the exact source of a verse, aiding in tracing its origin and understanding its context.
• Time-Saving: For researchers, this index significantly reduces the time spent searching for specific texts and verses, accelerating their study and research.
• Accessibility: The publication aims to make the vast Jain Agam literature more accessible and usable for the academic and spiritual community.
• Knowledge Preservation: By meticulously indexing these ancient texts, the work contributes to the preservation and dissemination of Jain knowledge.

Overall Significance:

This work is considered a pioneering publication in the Jain literature field, distinguished by its scale and novelty. It represents a significant effort to consolidate and provide systematic access to a large corpus of Jain canonical and post-canonical literature, making it an invaluable resource for anyone studying Jainism. The index is structured to be user-friendly, with instructions provided on how to best utilize the information.

In essence, "Agam Padyanam Akaradikramen Anukramanika" is a meticulous and extensive index that makes Jain scriptural literature more navigable and research-friendly, a testament to the dedication of its compilers and supporters.