Antkruddasha Sutra Ka Samikshatmak Adhyayan

This document is a critical study of the Antakṛdśā Sūtra, a significant Jain scripture. Here's a comprehensive summary of its key aspects:

1. Introduction and Significance:

• The Antakṛdśā Sūtra holds an honorable place within Jain tradition, alongside other Āgama literature.
• Jain Āgama literature is categorized into Anga, Upānga, Cheda, Mūla, and Prakīrṇaka. The Antakṛdśā Sūtra is listed as the eighth Anga.
• The text primarily describes the "anta-kṛt" (end-makers) – individuals who have achieved liberation by conquering all karmas through asceticism and spiritual practice.
• It contains descriptions of the renunciation, study, practice, and attainment of liberation (siddhi) by aspirant souls.
• Notably, it also includes biographical details of prominent figures like Lord Ṛṣabhanemi, Tīrthaṅkara Mahāvīra, Gaṇadhara Gautama, and Vāsudeva Śrīkṛṣṇa.

2. Naming and Structure:

• The name "Antakṛdśā" signifies "the state of those who have ended the cycle of birth and death."
• There are discussions regarding its structure, with mentions of ten chapters (adhyāyanas) and eight sections (vargas) in various texts like Samavāyāṅga and Nandi Sūtra.
• Discrepancies exist in the exact count of chapters and sections across different commentaries, with scholars like Ācārya Abhayadeva attempting to reconcile these differences.
• The names of the ten chapters mentioned in Sthānāṅga and other texts are listed, though these names may differ from the current version of the Antakṛdśā Sūtra.

3. Author and Time of Composition:

• The Āgama scriptures are generally attributed to the Tīrthaṅkaras themselves, and their compilation into sutra form is by the Gaṇadharas.
• The Anga literature, including the Antakṛdśā Sūtra, is considered to be the composition of Gaṇadhara Sudharmasvāmi, contemporary to Lord Mahāvīra, placing its composition in the 6th century BCE.
• The document refutes the notion that Āgamas were composed after the Vir Nirvana era, emphasizing that texts were originally transmitted orally for centuries before being codified.

4. Language and Style:

• The language of Jain Āgamas, including the Antakṛdśā Sūtra, is Ardhamāgadhī Prakrit.
• The scriptures were composed in Prakrit to be accessible to a wide audience, including women, children, the elderly, and the uneducated.
• The style is narrative (Kathānu yoga), often beginning with phrases like "Ten kāleṇa tena samayeṇa."
• Specific linguistic features like vowel variations (e.g., parivasaṭi, parivasaī) and abbreviation with dot placement and numerical notation are mentioned.
• The text prominently features the description of austerities (tapas), particularly in the eighth section.

5. Subject Matter and Key Narratives:

• The Antakṛdśā Sūtra narrates the lives of men and women who attained liberation by ending their karmas. It is estimated to contain 900 verses.
• The text is divided into eight sections (vargas), with varying numbers of chapters within each section (ranging from 8 to 16 chapters).
• Many narratives are incomplete, with the text often instructing readers to refer to other sources for completion.
• The first five sections focus on disciples of Lord Ṛṣabhanemi, while the remaining three sections concern figures associated with Lord Mahāvīra and King Śreṇika.
• Vāsudeva Śrīkṛṣṇa is a significant figure, with his multi-faceted personality being depicted. The text clarifies that Jain tradition views him as a great ruler and a devoted follower of Lord Ṛṣabhanemi, not as a divine incarnation. His virtues, military prowess, and compassion are highlighted.
• Lord Ṛṣabhanemi, the 22nd Tīrthaṅkara, is presented as a historical figure, and his influence on Śrīkṛṣṇa and others is discussed. Evidence from Vedic and Buddhist literature is cited to support his significance.
• The story of Gajakumāra, Śrīkṛṣṇa's younger brother, who attains liberation through extreme forbearance despite being burnt alive, is highlighted as an inspiring example of overcoming anger.
• The ten princes who renounced their kingdoms to follow Lord Ṛṣabhanemi are described in the fourth section, detailing their ascetic practices and eventual liberation.
• The eight queens and two daughters-in-law of Śrīkṛṣṇa are featured in the fifth section, showcasing their renunciation and spiritual journey. This section also mentions Lord Ṛṣabhanemi prophesying Śrīkṛṣṇa's future Tīrthaṅkarahood.
• The sixth section details the lives of sixteen individuals, including merchants, a physician (Arjuna Mālī), and ascetics like Atimukta Kumāra.
  • The story of Arjuna Mālī, who committed many murders but later attained liberation in just six months after taking monastic vows, is a prominent example of transformation.
  • The story of Atimukta Kumāra, a young ascetic who achieved liberation, emphasizes that age is not a barrier to spiritual progress if one has the qualification.
• The seventh and eighth sections narrate the rigorous austerities performed by thirteen queens of King Śreṇika, leading to their liberation. Specific names of their austerities (like "Ratnāvalī Tapa," "Kaṅkāvalī Tapa," etc.) are provided, along with their duration and details.

6. Significance of Austerities:

• The text details various forms of specific and intense austerities undertaken by the queens of King Śreṇika, which are considered exemplary for ascetics.

7. Reading during Paryuṣaṇa:

• While the Tattvārtha Sūtra is traditionally read during Paryuṣaṇa in the Digambara tradition, the Antakṛdśā Sūtra is read in the Sthānakavāsī tradition.
• The origin of this tradition is a subject of research but is believed to have started after the 15th century.
• The reading during Paryuṣaṇa is attributed to the presence of inspiring narratives of royal renunciation, asceticism, and transformed individuals like Gajakumāra, Atimukta Kumāra, Sūdarśana Seth, and Arjuna Mālī, all of which are exemplary for Jain culture.
• The connection to the eight days of Paryuṣaṇa and the eight sections of the Anga scripture is also suggested.

8. Commentaries and Translations:

• The Antakṛdśā Sūtra has two Sanskrit commentaries (by Ācārya Abhayadeva and Ācārya Ghāsilāla Jī M.S.A.).
• There are six Hindi translations, and three-four Gujarati translations have also been published.
• An English translation is also available.

9. Social and Cultural Features:

• The text provides geographical information about various places like Kākandī, Guṇśīl Udhyāna, Campāpurī, Dvārakā, etc.
• It describes different castes and social groups, including Brahmins, Vaiśyas, Śūdras, and Kṣatriyas, and mentions specific individuals from each group.
• The text highlights "seeds of narratives" that have inspired later Jain literature, including stories of devotion, renunciation, and transformation.
• It presents ancient beliefs and superstitions like the worship of Yakṣas and the concept of Yakṣa possession.
• The transformation of violent individuals like Arjuna Mālī into non-violent ascetics is a significant theme.
• Descriptions of cities, mountains, temples, and pilgrimage sites served as resources for poets.
• The story of Gajakumāra is noted as inspiring independent poetic works.

In conclusion, the critical study of the Antakṛdśā Sūtra by Manmal Kudal provides a detailed examination of this important Jain text, covering its scriptural context, naming, structure, language, key narratives, historical figures, and its enduring cultural significance. It underscores the Antakṛdśā Sūtra's value in illustrating the path to liberation through rigorous spiritual practices and exemplary lives.