Devarddhigani

This text, "Devarddhigani," authored by Nandlal B Devluk and published in two parts (Z_Shramana_Bhagwanto_Part_1_004596.pdf and Shramana_Bhagwanto_Part_2_004597.pdf), highlights the monumental contributions of Acharya Shri Devarddhigani Kshamaashraman to Jainism.

Key Contributions and Life of Devarddhigani:

• Preservation of Agamas: Devarddhigani is celebrated as the "Agamanidhisamrakshak" (Protector of the Treasure of Agamas). His most significant achievement was the compilation and codification of all available Agamas into written form during the fifth Agama recitation held in Vallabhi. This act made the sacred Jain scriptures immortal and accessible for generations.
• Succession Lineage: The text traces Devarddhigani's spiritual lineage, indicating that he was a disciple of Acharya Shri Lahityacharya, as praised in the Nandi Sutra Sthaviravali. However, the churnikara Shri Jinvats Mahattara identifies him as a disciple of Shri Dushyagani, a possibility supported by their shared "gani" (leader) title.
• Previous Incarnation: A narrative suggests that in a past life, Devarddhigani was a celestial being named Harinagamesh. He played a role in the transmigration of Lord Mahavir's embryo from Devananda's womb to Trishala Rani's. In his final moments, this celestial being requested King Saudharmendra to facilitate his rebirth as a human for Jain initiation.
• Birth and Early Life: Devarddhigani was born in Saurashtra, likely in Veraval or Prabhas Patan. His father was Kashyap Gotriya Kamdhi Kshatriya, a minister to King Aridaman. His mother's name was Kalavati. He was named Devarddhi due to his mother's dream of a divinely endowed being.
• Ascetic Life and Attainment of Titles: Devarddhi, after receiving spiritual enlightenment, took initiation from Acharya Lahityasuri. He diligently studied the Agamas under his guru and attained the position of "Gani" (leader). Later, under Acharya Devguptasuri of the Upakesha lineage, he completed the study of one Purva with commentary and another Purva in its original form, achieving the esteemed title of "Kshamaashraman" (one who endures hardship and possesses forgiveness).
• The Fifth Agama Recitation: The text elaborates on the historical context of the fifth Agama recitation. Following the recitations by Acharya Kandilsuri in Mathura and Acharya Nagarjunasuri in Vallabhi, a need arose to consolidate and standardize the Agamic texts. The custodians of these traditions, including Devarddhigani, convened a grand council in Vallabhi in Vir Samvat 980 (Vikram Samvat 510). Devarddhigani presided over this critical recitation, which was the first systematic compilation and scripturalization of the entire Agama corpus.
• Compilation of Vast Literature: This fifth Agama recitation resulted in the compilation of an immense body of literature, including 84 Agamas, Niyuktis, Bhashyas, Kammapayad, and Tattvartha Sutra, amounting to crores of verses. The Agamas available today are a direct testament to this monumental effort.
• Composition of Nandi Sutra: During this Agama recitation, Acharya Devarddhigani also composed the Nandi Sutra. This work provides a systematic outline of knowledge, a list of Agama Sutras, and references to numerous significant texts.
• Chronology of Recitation Masters: Devarddhigani also meticulously documented the lineage of recitation masters, starting from Aryavart Dharma, the first disciple of Lord Mahavir, up to himself. This lineage includes 27 prominent Acharyas.
• Legacy: The text emphasizes that the Jain Shasan (Jain tradition) will forever be indebted to Acharya Devarddhigani Kshamaashraman. His work in scripturalizing the Agamas has ensured the longevity of the Vitaraag Vani (teachings of the liberated ones) and the proper preservation of the Agamic treasure.
• End of Era: Devarddhigani is considered the last "Purdhar" (one who possesses the knowledge of the Púrvas). The text states that the continuity of the Púrvas ended with his demise around Vir Nirvana Samvat 1000.

In essence, this text is a biographical account and tribute to Acharya Shri Devarddhigani Kshamaashraman, primarily focusing on his unparalleled contribution to preserving and compiling the sacred Jain Agamas, thereby ensuring their survival and accessibility for future generations.