Nandisutram

Summary of the Nandisutram

The Nandisutram, authored by Shri Devavāchaka, is a foundational Jain text that delves into the core principles of Jain philosophy and practice. This particular edition, published by the Prakrit Text Society in Varanasi and Ahmedabad in 1966, is notable for its comprehensive inclusion of commentaries, offering multiple layers of understanding.

Key Components of this Edition:

• The Nandisutram: The root text, attributed to Devavāchaka, lays down the fundamental tenets of Jainism.
• Vrtti by Shri Haribhadrasuri: A lucid commentary (Vrtti) by the renowned scholar Haribhadrasuri, who was a disciple of Yakini Mahattara and the son of Bhavavirahuri. Haribhadrasuri is celebrated for his extensive contributions to Jain literature, promoting universal understanding and upliftment.
• Durgapadavyākhyā by Shri Śrīcandrācārya: A detailed exposition (Durgapadavyākhyā) on Haribhadrasuri's Vrtti, authored by Śrīcandrācārya, a disciple of Dhaneshwaracharya from the Chandrakulin lineage. This commentary clarifies difficult terms and concepts within the Vrtti.
• Vishampadparyaya by an Unknown Author: A glossary or explanation of difficult terms (Vishampadparyaya) on Haribhadrasuri's Vrtti, by an anonymous author.

Editorial Efforts:

The text was meticulously edited by Muni Shri Punyavijayaji, a scholar dedicated to preserving and disseminating Jain Agamic literature. He undertook extensive research, consulting seventeen manuscript copies of the root text, commentaries, and glossaries to establish a reliable and critically edited version. The general editors, Dr. V. S. Agrawala and Pandit Dalsukh Malvania, provided oversight and guidance, ensuring the high academic standard of this publication.

Content and Significance:

While the provided text primarily focuses on the publication details, title pages, introductory notes, and editorial preface, it highlights the Nandisutram's structure and the editorial process. The "Prakashtiya Nivedan" (Editorial Note) by Dal Sukh Malvania extensively traces the history of Jain Agam publication, emphasizing the challenges and efforts involved in bringing these ancient texts to light. It credits Muni Shri Punyavijayaji's lifelong dedication to researching and revising these texts, leading to the establishment of the Prakrit Granth Parishad by Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

The edition aims to present the Nandisutram along with its key commentaries in a manner that aligns with modern scholarly standards, making it accessible to scholars and practitioners of Jainism. The extensive footnotes and appendices mentioned in the introduction suggest a deep dive into textual variations, comparative analysis, and the lineage of scholars involved in preserving this important work. The publication itself is a testament to the meticulous efforts in manuscript research and critical editing prevalent in the academic circles of India during that period.

In essence, this edition of the Nandisutram is a scholarly endeavor to provide a definitive version of a significant Jain text, enriched by the insights of its venerable commentators, and meticulously prepared for academic and personal study. It underscores the Jain tradition's commitment to the preservation and propagation of its spiritual and philosophical heritage through rigorous scholarship.