Bhagavati Sutra Ane Anya Agamonu Sampadan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Gujarati text about Pandit Dalsukh Malvania's work on Jain Agamas, particularly the Bhagavati Sutra:

The text discusses the significant editorial work of Pandit Dalsukh Malvania on Jain Agamas, with a special focus on his meticulous editing of the Bhagavati Sutra.

Challenges and Pandit Malvania's Pioneering Approach:

• When Pandit Bechardas Doshi (presumably referring to Pandit Dalsukh Malvania, as the text later consistently refers to "Panditji" in connection with the Bhagavati Sutra) began the task of editing the Agamas, he faced a lack of support. This was due to a prevalent belief at the time that laypersons (Shravakas) were not meant to read the Agamas, let alone edit them.
• Despite these challenges, Panditji undertook the ambitious task of editing the important text, Vyākhyā Prajñapti, also known as Bhagavati. This was a courageous endeavor.
• His editorial method for the Bhagavati Sutra was unique and, it is stated, has not been surpassed by anyone since. This is evidenced by the continued demand for his edition of the Bhagavati Sutra, even with other versions available.

Bhagavati Sutra Edition:

• Initially, Panditji had access to only one manuscript of the Bhagavati Sutra. Despite this limitation, he made a sincere effort to present a pure and accurate original text.
• Later, he undertook a re-editing of the Bhagavati Sutra for the Agam Granthamala of Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya, using multiple manuscripts. Comparing this re-edited version with his earlier work, based on a single manuscript, highlights the remarkable accuracy of his initial text purification.
• Panditji's contribution to the Bhagavati Sutra extended beyond just the original text. He also provided a Gujarati translation of the text.
• Furthermore, he published the commentary (Vritti) of Acharya Abhayadeva with its Gujarati translation.
• Not content with this, he also provided extensive annotations (Tippan) that clarified the subject discussions found in the original text and its commentary. Writing such detailed annotations was not a common practice during that period, showcasing his insight and thoroughness. His approach was to make the work "all-encompassing," leaving no aspect incomplete.

Other Editorial Contributions:

• Beyond the Bhagavati Sutra, Panditji also simplified and summarized other Agamas.
• He presented the essence of Lord Mahavir's religious discourses, specifically the Jñātādharmakathā (also known as Jñātādharmakathanā), in simple Gujarati. In this work, he followed his characteristic style of providing annotations.
• Similarly, he summarized the Upāsakadaśā, which deals with ten lay disciples of Lord Mahavir.
• He also successfully completed the editing and Gujarati translation of the Āvashyakasūtra (referred to as Rājapraśnīya in the text, though this might be a slight misstatement or a specific section). This work also includes his annotations.

Footnotes:

The footnotes list various published editions of Jain Agamas, indicating the publishers and years of publication, some of which are associated with Panditji's work or the institutions he was likely connected with. These include publications by Jināgam Prakāshak Sabhā, Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya, and Gujarāt Vidyāpīth.

In essence, the text celebrates Pandit Dalsukh Malvania as a groundbreaking scholar and editor who diligently worked to make the sacred Jain Agamas accessible and understandable through meticulous textual analysis, insightful commentaries, and clear translations, overcoming significant societal and practical obstacles.