Agam Sara Sangraha

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam Sara Sangraha" by Lalitvijay, based on the provided text:

Agam Sara Sangraha (Collection of the Essence of Agams)

• Author: Pujya Muni Shri Lalitvijayji Maharaj (late)
• Publisher: Shri Shankheshwar Parshwanath Jain Derasar Pedhi, Dolatnagar, Mumbai
• Introduction: The book is a re-publication, inspired by Acharya Shri Vijay Hemchandrasuriji Maharaj and Acharya Shri Vijay Pradhumna Suriji Maharaj. It was made possible with the financial support of Seth Hathising Kesrising Trust, Ahmedabad. The re-publication aims to make the valuable compilation accessible to a wider audience.
• Author's Effort: The text highlights the extensive effort of Muni Shri Lalitvijayji Maharaj, who read numerous texts to compile the essence of Jain Agams. His dedication in gathering and presenting this vast collection is evident.
• Compilation Structure: The original work, "Kapoor Kavya Kalloladi," was a comprehensive collection in eight parts, published in two volumes. This re-publication focuses on volumes containing parts 5 and 6, with plans to re-publish parts 7 and 8 later.
• Content of Volume 5 (Veetrag Varnan - Vitaraag Varnan): This section focuses on the description of the Vitaraag (the liberated souls). It includes 194 pages and covers topics such as:
  • Details about Tirthankaras and the 63 Salakapurushas.
  • A Mahadev Ashtak (eight verses dedicated to Shiva, likely in a Jain philosophical context).
  • 5 Stavan (devotional songs).
  • 72 Manhar Chand chhandas (poetic meters) and Chhappas (a type of poetic stanza).
  • A 108-name Stotra of Parshvanath.
  • 300 Duha (couplets) and other prose content.
• Content of Volume 6 (Sadhu Sanmitra - Companion to Monks): This section provides guidance and information useful for monks and nuns. It contains 210 pages and covers topics such as:
  • A Gautama Ashtak (eight verses dedicated to Gautama Swami, the chief disciple of Mahavir).
  • 12 Stavan (devotional songs) and Dhal (a type of devotional composition).
  • 81 Manhar Chand chhandas and Chhappas.
  • 488 Duha, Gatha (poetic meters), and other prose content.
• Overall Scope: The entire "Agam Sara Sangraha" (all eight parts) is a massive undertaking, exceeding 1400 pages. It is noted that the original intention was to cover specific topics, but due to the inclusion of additional scholarly material at the inspiration of many, the scope expanded significantly.
• Key Sections and Their Content (as detailed within the text):
  • Parts 1-4 (previously published in one book): Contained Stavana, Gahuli, Sajjhay, Bhajanpadadi (around 717 compositions). Part 1 included 18 Chaityavandan, 187 Stavana, 4 Kavya, 11 Manhar Chand, and 25 Stuti. Part 2 had 95 Gahuli and 15 Padadi. Part 3 included 111 Sajjhay, 18 Padadi, 16 Anuvadana Kavya. Part 4 had 157 Bhajapada and 60 Upadeshak Pada (preachings).
  • Part 5 (Vitrag Varnan): Described Tirthankaras and the 63 Salakapurushas, including a Mahadev Ashtak, 5 Stavana, 72 Manhar Chand/Chhappas, Parshvanath's 108 names, and 300 Duha in prose.
  • Part 6 (Sadhu Sanmitra): Contained information useful for monks and nuns, including 12 Stavana/Dhal, 81 Manhar Chand/Chhappas, and 488 Duha/Gatha.
  • Part 7 (Shravak Sanmitra): Focused on useful information for laymen (Shravak and Shravika), including Vajrapanjar Stotra, 2 Sajjhay, 2 Stavana, 115 Manhar Chand/Chhappas, 571 Duha/Gatha, 1 Punyaprakash Stavana, and 4 Sharan (refuges).
  • Part 8 (Upyogi Vastuvarnan - Description of Useful Matters): This part, with 162 pages, explains the four Gatis (realms of existence) with 563 and 734 classifications, details the five senses, and discusses geographical aspects like islands, oceans, rivers, mountains, celestial abodes, and astrological influences. It also includes topics like Pallipatanphal (omens related to villages) and Sutak Vichar (mourning rituals).
• Inclusion of Other Texts: The second book (parts 5-8) also includes five additional significant stotras:
  • Shri Shatrunjay Stotra (10 verses)
  • Shri Abhaydev Suri krit Shri Jayti Hu-an Stotra (30 verses)
  • Shri Kamalprabh Suri krit Shri Jinpinjar Stotra (25 verses)
  • Ghantakarna Mantra (4 verses)
  • Shri Gautam Swami krit Shri Rishimandal Stotra (102 verses) These are provided with meanings and are limited to 500 copies per text.
• Proofreading and Disclaimers: The text mentions that considerable care was taken to ensure accuracy during proofreading, but any errors that might have crept in are requested to be corrected by the reader. The author also seeks forgiveness (Michhami Dukkadam) for any inadvertent mistakes or misunderstandings in the content.
• Source Material: The author acknowledges drawing information from a vast array of over 150 books, the names of which are listed in the catalog.
• Overall Purpose: The aspiration is for those with a thirst for knowledge to utilize this compilation appropriately, making the efforts of all involved meaningful.
• Supporting Figures: The publication is dedicated to and inspired by respected Acharyas like Shri Vijay Nemisurishwarji Maharaj, Shri Vijay Amritsurishwarji Maharaj, Shri Vijay Devasurishwarji Maharaj, Shri Vijay Hemchandrasuriji Maharaj, and Shri Vijay Padhyumnasuriji Maharaj. The photograph of Muni Lalitvijay with his gurus is also included.

In essence, "Agam Sara Sangraha" (specifically Volume 5 and 6 as per this document) is a monumental Jain religious and philosophical compilation by Muni Shri Lalitvijayji Maharaj, aiming to present the core teachings and practical guidance derived from the Jain Agams and other scriptures in an accessible manner for monks, nuns, and lay followers.