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Initially, the Lokashah, the followers of the Sthanakvasi tradition, had access to only thirty-two Agamas. Therefore, they accepted only these thirty-two Agamas as authoritative. Once they accepted these thirty-two Agamas, there was no question of changing them. Hence, even when the Prakirnaks became available later, they were not accepted as Agamas.
While some Prakirnaks like Tithogali and Ganividya may contain statements that differ slightly from their tradition, it is not appropriate to reject the entire Prakirnak literature. If we were to do so, we would also have to reject many Agama texts, as they contain even more statements that contradict their beliefs than these Prakirnaks. The Suryaprajnapti contains more cautious teachings than the Ganividya. And as far as the question of statements differing from traditions is concerned, the Agamas contain more references to images and worship than the Prakirnaks. Would we then refuse to accept the Sthananga Sutra, Jnatadharmakatha, and Rajaprashniya, etc., as Agamas because they contain such references? The mistake that the Digambara monks made in rejecting the Svetambara Agama literature is probably the same mistake that the Sthanakvasi and Terapanthi are making by rejecting the Prakirnaks. The unfortunate consequence of this is that the Sthanakvasi and Terapanthi communities have been deprived of this vast treasure of knowledge, which is purely instructive, focused on austerity, and emphasizes character. We should instead focus on how these texts contribute to the development of human spiritual, devotional, and ethical values. If, after studying them, we find that they contain useful material, then, despite some differences in beliefs, we should accept them as Agamas and promote their study and teaching.
1. Suryaprajnapti, 10/17 (Sriharshapushpamrit Jain Granthamala).
2. 'Chattari Jinapdimaao Savvarayanamiao' - Sthanangasutra - Madhukar Muni, 4/339.
3. 'Pavarparihhia Jinapdimaanam Acchanam Karei' - Jnatadharmakatha - Madhukar Muni, 16/118.
4. 'Tasi Gam Jinapdimaanam' - Rajaprashniyasutra - Madhukar Muni, Sutra 177-179.