Nandi Aadi Sootra Gaathaadi Akaaraadi Kram

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Nandi Aadi Sootra Gaathaadi Akaaraadi Kram" by Dipratnasagar and Deepratnasagar:

Title: Nandi Aadi Sootra Gaathaadi Akaaraadi Kram (नन्दी आदि सूत्र गाथादि अकारादि)

Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar

Publisher: Deepratnasagar

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/007212/1

Core Purpose of the Text:

This Jain text is a meticulously compiled index, or "Akaaraadi Kram" (अकारादि क्रम), which means an alphabetical (or rather, syllabic) listing of verses (Gathas) and sutras from key Jain Agamas (scriptures). Its primary goal is to make these scriptures more accessible and searchable for scholars and practitioners by providing an alphabetical index of their content.

Key Features and Content:

1. Alphabetical Indexing of Agamas: The book focuses on indexing the verses and sutras from seven core Jain Agamas:

   • Nandi Sutra (नन्दी सूत्र)
   • Anuyoga Dwara Sutra (अनुयोगद्वार सूत्र)
   • Aavashyak Sutra (आवश्यक सूत्र)
   • Ogha Niyukti (ओघनियुक्ति)
   • Dashavaikalik Sutra (दशवैकालिक सूत्र)
   • Pind Niyukti (पिण्ड नियुक्ति)
   • Uttaradhyayana Sutra (उत्तराध्ययन सूत्र)

2. Content Included: The index lists not just the starting words of verses and sutras but also references to their location within the Agamas, often including specific verse numbers or identifiers. The text provides an extensive list of these entries, starting from the letter 'A' (अ) and continuing through the alphabet.

3. Historical Significance and Compilation:

   • The original compilation and editing of such indices were undertaken by Acharya Dev Shri Anand Sagar Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb (आचार्यदेव श्री आनंदसागर सूरीश्वरजी म. सा.), also known as Sajanand Suriji Maharaj Saheb. He is credited as the "Adya Sampadak" (आद्य संपादक - First Editor) and "Agamoddharak" (आगमोद्धारक - Rescuer/Reviver of Agamas).
   • The current publication is a re-compilation by Muni Deepratnasagar. This suggests that the original work by Acharya Anand Sagar Surishwarji was perhaps foundational, and Muni Deepratnasagar has updated, expanded, or presented it in a new format.
   • The text highlights that Acharya Anand Sagar Surishwarji also compiled indices for other Agamas, including Angas, Upangas, and Prakirnaka Sutras.

4. Accessibility and Digitalization:

   • The current edition is presented as an "Internet Publication" by "jain_e_library's Net Publications." This indicates a modern approach to making these traditional texts available digitally to a wider audience globally.
   • The preface mentions the effort to scan the original text, create a special format, and include useful information on each page to aid readers in understanding the alphabetical order of verses.

5. Structure and Format:

   • The book is structured as a directory, with each entry typically including the starting word of a sutra or gatha, followed by a reference to the specific Agama and its position within that Agama.
   • The index is organized alphabetically by the first letter of the verse/sutra. The provided pages showcase a significant portion of the index for the letter 'A' (अ), demonstrating the depth and scope of the work.

6. Publisher's Information: The text mentions that an earlier edition was published by "Shri Agamoday Samiti" in 1928 (Vikram Samvat 1984), printed by Ramchandra Yeshu Shedage at Nirnay Sagar Press. The current publisher, Deepratnasagar, is continuing this tradition of making Agamic literature accessible.

Overall Significance:

"Nandi Aadi Sootra Gaathaadi Akaaraadi Kram" is a vital scholarly tool for anyone studying or referencing the Jain Agamas. It acts as a comprehensive dictionary or concordance for these foundational scriptures, enabling researchers and devotees to quickly locate specific verses and understand their context within the broader Agamic literature. The re-publication and digital accessibility underscore a commitment to preserving and disseminating this important Jain heritage.