Bhagvati Sutra Part 04

This document is the fourth part of the Bhagvati Sutra, compiled by Ghevarchand Banthiya and published by Akhil Bharatiya Sudharm Jain Sanskruti Rakshak Sangh, Jodhpur Branch. The catalog link provided is https://jainqq.org/explore/004089/1.

The book contains Shatakas (centuries) 8 to 12 of the Bhagvati Sutra. The publisher's note highlights the Bhagvati Sutra as a vast ocean of Jain Agam literature, containing various gems discussed through question-answer format.

Here's a breakdown of the content covered in this volume, as per the publisher's introduction:

Shataka 8 (Ninth Century):

• Contains 34 Uddeshas (chapters/sections).
• First Uddesha: On Jambudvipa.
• Second Uddesha: On Jyotishi Devas (celestial beings associated with light).
• Third to Thirtieth Uddeshas (28 Uddeshas): Description of Antardvipas (inhabited islands within the oceans).
• Thirty-first Uddesha: Description of Asoccha Kvali (a type of ascetic/soul).
• Thirty-second Uddesha: Questions of Gangeya Angar (a sage).
• Thirty-third Uddesha: Description related to Brahmakundagrama.
• Thirty-fourth Uddesha: Description of Purushaghataka (person-killer) and related topics.

Shataka 9 (Tenth Century):

• Contains 34 Uddeshas.
• First Uddesha: On Directions (like East, West, North, South, etc.).
• Second Uddesha: On Sanvruta Angaradi (a type of ascetic who practices restraint).
• Third Uddesha: On the self-power (Atma-riddhi) of Devas when violating Deva-avasas (abodes of gods).
• Fourth Uddesha: Questions of Shyamahasti, a disciple of Bhagwan Mahavir Swami.
• Fifth Uddesha: On the foremost consorts (Agramahishis) of Indras like Chamar.
• Sixth Uddesha: On Sudharma Sabha (the celestial assembly hall).
• Seventh to Thirty-fourth Uddeshas (28 Uddeshas): Description of 28 Antardvipas in the Northern direction.

Shataka 10 (Eleventh Century):

• Contains 12 Uddeshas.
• First Uddesha: Utpal (a type of lotus or aquatic plant).
• Second Uddesha: Shaluk (a type of aquatic plant/root).
• Third Uddesha: Palash (a type of tree/plant).
• Fourth Uddesha: Kumbhi (a type of plant/root).
• Fifth Uddesha: Nalik (a type of plant/root).
• Sixth Uddesha: Padma (a type of lotus).
• Seventh Uddesha: Karnika (a type of plant/root).
• Eighth Uddesha: Nalin (a type of lotus).
• Ninth Uddesha: Shivrajrishi (a sage named Shiv).
• Tenth Uddesha: Lok (the universe).
• Eleventh Uddesha: Kal (time).
• Twelfth Uddesha: Alabhika (a topic related to purification or avoidance).

Shataka 11 (Twelfth Century):

• Contains 10 Uddeshas.
• First Uddesha: Shankh (a type of shell/conch).
• Second Uddesha: Jayanti (a female disciple).
• Third Uddesha: Prithvi (Earth).
• Fourth Uddesha: Pudgal (matter/substance).
• Fifth Uddesha: Atipata (transgression).
• Sixth Uddesha: Rahu (a celestial entity).
• Seventh Uddesha: Lok (the universe).
• Eighth Uddesha: Nag (serpent/snake).
• Ninth Uddesha: Dev (celestial being).
• Tenth Uddesha: Atma (soul).

The text also includes a "Shuddhi-Patra" (Correction Sheet) on page 6, listing errors and their corrections. Page 7 contains further notes regarding textual variations found in different manuscripts.

The publisher, in a "Nivedan" (Request/Note), expresses gratitude to Shri Jaswantlal Bhai Shah of Mumbai for his significant financial contribution towards the publication of the Agam Granthmala. It is mentioned that due to his support, the books are made available to readers at half price. The publisher also highlights Shah Saheb's deep interest in the propagation of Jain principles and his personal practice of studying Agams.

The publication of this volume (Bhagvati Sutra Part 4) is the fourth edition, made possible by Shri Jaswantlal Bhai Shah's financial assistance. The publisher requests readers to take full advantage of this edition.

The text further delves into specific topics like "Aswadhyay" (periods when scripture study is not recommended) with a list of 32 reasons for it, and a list of other Agam Sutras and publications by the Sangh.

The content of the "Bhagvati Sutra Part 04" thus comprises detailed discussions on cosmology, celestial beings, the nature of existence, individual souls, time, and the principles of Jain conduct and asceticism, presented through dialogues and detailed explanations of complex concepts.