Anveshan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text in English:

The text, titled "Anveshan" by Shilchandrasuri and published by ZZ_Anusandhan, discusses early references to the "Padmanug" (પ્રથમાનુગ), a Jain text believed to have been composed around the 14th century.

The author highlights that the "Padmanug," composed by the Jain Acharya Shri Kalika, a contemporary of King Shalivahana, is mentioned in various ancient Agamic texts like "Avashyak-Nirukti-Churni-Vritti," "Panchakalpa-Bhashya-Churni," "Vasudevavindi," "Nandisutra," and "Samvayangasutra," as well as in biographical texts (Charitra texts). These references indicate that the "Padmanug" primarily described the lives of great beings, including Tirthankaras and other prominent figures.

The author then introduces two previously unknown verses found in a manuscript. While the original source of these verses hasn't been identified, their content is significant as they shed light on the nature of the "Padmanug."

Verse 1: "Having nine and (or) seven hoods, the Naga (serpent) plays near the Jinpa Parshva. Three and (or) five fangs are to be understood as Suparshvanatha, it is said in the 'Padmanug'."

This verse clearly links the "Padmanug" to the descriptions of Jin characters, specifically mentioning Naga Parshva and Suparshvanatha, and attributing specific iconography (hoods and fangs) to them.

Verse 2: "The consecration (Pratishtha) of these, like the renowned Nara-Vara-purana (referencing Av. Ni. Gatha 1432), is performed by the guru with a sacred mantra, just as the establishment (Jinasthapana – Pratishtha) happens in the 'Padmanug' with the Pranava (Om) or beginning with Pranava."

This verse suggests that the "Padmanug" also included topics related to the consecration (Pratishtha) of Jina images or idols. This implies a broader scope for the "Padmanug" than just biographical accounts.

Following this, another verse is presented from the same manuscript, which appears to be related to the "Avashyak Sutra":

"The daily Pratikraman is clearly prescribed in the presence of the Guru. Therefore, in the absence of the Guru, that (or the establishment made by their Amrta Vidhi) is to be known as equal to the Guru."

The author notes that this last verse is explicitly stated to be from the "Avashyak Sutra." This led to an attempt to find the previous two verses within the "Avashyak Sutra" or elsewhere, but they have not yet been located.

Despite the difficulty in pinpointing the exact source of the first two verses, the author emphasizes their value because they refer to the "Padmanug" and highlight two important subjects discussed within it: the iconography of Jinas and the ritual of consecration.

The manuscript itself is described as lacking its beginning and end pages. However, based on its writing style, size, and format (likely a pocketbook), it is estimated to be from the 14th century. The author speculates that the manuscript might be a personal note-taking compilation by a scholar-monk, who recorded various scriptural references that were found to be interesting, relevant, or useful during his studies and readings. The manuscript occasionally mentions original sources but often does not.

The text concludes with a brief mention of Shilchandravijay's work on a specific augmentative suffix in Eastern Prakrit languages, describing the lengthening of the preceding vowel as a characteristic feature of Magadhi and the languages of Eastern India during Ashoka's reign. This appears to be a tangential reference, possibly indicating the author's broader interest in Jain linguistic and historical studies.