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Introduction to the Manuscript Copies Used in the Mahapratyakhyanamanapainnay
Muni Shri Punyavijayaji used the following manuscripts in determining the text of this work:
1. Saṅ: Manuscript on palm leaves from the Jain Gyan Bhandar in Sanghvipada.
2. Pu.: Manuscript written by Muni Shri Punyavijayaji Maharaj.
3. Sa.: Manuscript edited by Acharya Sagarnandasuriśvara.
4. Haṅ: Manuscript written by Muni Shri Hansavijayaji Maharaj.
We have taken the textual variations of these manuscripts, numbered 1 to 4, from the work *Paṇṇayasuttaī* edited by Muni Punyavijayaji. For detailed information about these manuscripts, we recommend that readers refer to pages 23-27 of the introduction to the *Paṇṇayasuttaī* work.
**Thoughts on the Author and Time of Composition**
Although the Mahapratyakhyan is mentioned in many works like the Nandīsutr, Pākṣikasūtr, etc., no information is available about the author of this work. Based on the clues we have, we can only say that it is a work of some *sthavira ācārya* from the 5th century CE or earlier. It is difficult to say anything more about the author because no clues are available in the form of any sūtra.
However, as far as the time of composition of this work is concerned, it can be said with certainty that it was composed before the 5th century CE. This is because the Mahapratyakhyan is mentioned in the Nandīsutr and Pākṣikasūtr, as well as in the Nandīcūṛṇi, etc. The subject matter of this work is also briefly mentioned in the commentary on the Pākṣikasūtr and the Nandīcūṛṇi. The time of the commentaries is considered to be around the 7th century CE, so the Mahapratyakhyan must have been composed before the Nandīcūṛṇi. Further, the Mahapratyakhyan is clearly mentioned in the original Nandīsutr and Pākṣikasūtr. Muni Shri Punyavijayaji and Paṇḍit Dalasukh Bhai Malavaniya have discussed the time of Devavācak, the author of the Nandīsutr, in detail. In the Nandīṇi, Devavācak is said to be a disciple of Śyāganī. Some scholars have identified Devavācak, the author of the Nandīsutr, with Devaddhigaṇī, who compiled the Āgamas...