Agam Prakashan Suchi

This document is a catalogue of printed Agamik (Jain Agam literature) publications by "Gitarth Ganga," a Jain research institute. Titled "Agam Prakashan Suchi" (Catalogue of Printed Agamik Literature), it was compiled by Nirav B Dagli and published by Gitarth Ganga.

Here's a breakdown of the key information and content:

Core Purpose and Philosophy (Pages 5-6):

• The publication aims to reveal the hidden secrets within Jain scriptures, which are often scattered across various topics.
• It emphasizes that simply obtaining the Jinshasan (Jain religion) is not enough; understanding its deep and mysterious knowledge is crucial for liberation from suffering and sin.
• The institute endeavors to collect these scattered pearls of wisdom, resolve apparent contradictions in scriptural laws, and highlight their interconnectedness in unveiling hidden meanings.
• The guiding principle is to make this profound knowledge accessible through lectures and published works in an easy-to-understand style, addressing various subjects and their related topics.

Key Figures and Support:

• Guidance: Acharya Bhagwant Shrimad Vijay Yugbhushansurishwarji Maharaj (Pandit Maharaj) provided guidance.
• Blessings: Muni pravan Shri Mohjitvijayji Maharaj (Bade Pandit Maharaj) offered blessings.
• Financial Support: Seth Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi provided financial assistance of Rs. 2,60,000/- from their "Gyan Khate ki Rashi" (knowledge account). Shri Bachubhai Popatlal Shah of Patan-Mumbai also provided significant financial support for the cataloguing project.
• Compilation: Shri Nirav B Dagli is the researcher and compiler.
• Publisher: Gitarth Ganga Trust.

Content and Structure of the Catalogue: The catalogue systematically lists and categorizes Agamik literature, including:

• Agamik Anukramanika (Detailed Index): This is the main index, classifying literature into 82 departments, including 45 Agam texts, other Agam texts, and Agamik literature. It provides reference numbers and page numbers for both the "Kriti" (work) and "Prakashan" (publication) sections.
• Kriti Parichay (Work Introduction): This section details over 1572 Agamik works, listing their authors, forms (Mul, Niryukti, Bhashya, etc.), languages, approximate time of composition, volume (shlokas, verses), introductory and concluding phrases, and crucially, the publication numbers that link to the next section.
• Agam Panchangi ki Chitratmak Shaili se Prastuti (Pictorial Presentation of Agam Panchang in Illustrative Style): This unique feature presents the five parts of the Agam (Mul, Niryukti, Bhashya, Churni, Bhashyavivaran) in a visual, pictorial format to quickly convey information about commentaries and other related texts.
• Prakashan Parichay (Publication Introduction): This section lists over 1799 publications, detailing the published works, their respective Kriti (work) numbers, publication year, publisher, and sometimes, details about incomplete publications or specific parts.
• Parishisht (Appendices):
  • Parishisht 1: Karta-Sampadak Anukramanika (Author-Editor Index): An alphabetical list of authors and editors, including their aliases, honorifics, guru's name, sect, and approximate time of existence. It links back to Kriti and Prakashan numbers.
  • Parishisht 2: Prakashak Anukramanika (Publisher Index): An alphabetical list of publishers, including their alternative names and locations. It links back to Prakashan numbers.
  • Parishisht 3: Kriti Swaropon ki Suchi (List of Work Forms): A list of the different types of Jain literary works mentioned in the catalogue (e.g., Mul, Niryukti, Bhashya, Churni, Bhashyavivaran, Anuvad, Vivaran, Sajjhay, etc.).
  • Parishisht 4: Kriti se Asambaddh Prakashanon ke Kramank (Publication Numbers Unrelated to Works): This section lists publications that are not directly tied to specific Agam works, like dictionaries, encyclopedias, or thematic compilations.

Salient Features of the Catalogue (Page 13):

• Unique and innovative research work of Gitarth Ganga Jain Research Institute.
• Compact and user-friendly.
• Utilizes over 2500 diverse Agam-related books/manuscripts.
• Interlinks over 15,000 works, publications, authors, and editors.
• Includes ancient and modern Agamik literature from various sects like Tapagachchha, Khartaragachchha, Achalgachchha, Parshvachandragachchha, Sthanakvasi, and Terapanthi.
• Employs modern scientific methods in its creation.
• Features an excellent presentation of the Agam Panchang in an illustrative style.
• Covers Agamik literature published over the last 150 years, including original Agam texts, their Niryukti and Vyakhya literature, and modern translations and summaries.
• A clear and organized research-based Agamik Catalogue from Gitarth Ganga's reference library.

Overall Significance: This "Agam Prakashan Suchi" is a monumental effort to document and make accessible the vast and diverse body of Jain Agamik literature. It serves as an invaluable resource for scholars, students, and devotees of Jainism, providing a systematic and comprehensive guide to published Agamik texts and their associated works and commentaries. The detailed structure, including indices and appendices, demonstrates a meticulous approach to cataloguing this important religious and philosophical corpus.