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## Introduction
19
I am grateful to the scholars who have helped me in this work. I am particularly indebted to Shri Naradamukti and Samyagdristi for drawing my attention to the issue of Krishna's misleading path. I am also grateful to Pandit Darbarilalji Satyabhakta for editing the original Harivansh Purana, published by Manikchand Granthamala, Bombay, and to Pandit Daulatramji and Pandit Gajadharlalji for their Hindi commentary, which has been of great help in our work. I express my respect for them. I have taken full advantage of Shriman Swargiey Nathuramji Premi's "History of Jain Literature" in writing this introduction and express my gratitude to him. Premiji had personally reviewed the introduction to the Mahapurana even while he was ill. He had also provided considerable input through letters for the introduction to the Padma Purana, but unfortunately, we did not receive his direct assistance during the writing of the introduction to the Harivansh Purana. We only have his indirect assistance through his writings, which saddens me. His noble spirit of testing and elevating individuals attracted everyone who came into contact with him. An attempt has been made to make this edition of Harivansh extremely useful by including a verse index, glossary, and other pillars like Suktiratnakar. The comparative notes in the respective chapters also make it useful. I am grateful to Dr. Hiralalji, Dr. A.N. Upadhye, and Babu Lakshmichandraji for their suggestions and encouragement in this work. The founder of Bharatiya Gyanpeeth, Sahu Shantiprasadji, and its chairperson, Ramarani ji, deserve thanks for publishing this beautiful and well-organized work. My long-standing endeavor to edit the Mahapurana, Padma Purana, and Harivansh Purana has been fulfilled thanks to Sahuji's generosity. How can I express my gratitude to him in words?
It would not be irrelevant to mention here that today's environment is very conducive to the propagation of the Arhat Darshan. From the time of Shankaracharya until about twenty-five to fifty years ago, the times were so turbulent that people considered it a sin to even listen to the teachings or religion of others. Fortunately, that turbulent environment is almost over and is slowly approaching its end. Today, humans are ready to listen and understand the teachings and religions of others. Today, the diamonds and jewels of Arhat Darshan, the unique and unparalleled works of Kundkund and Samantabhadra, should be placed before the world so that the soul of every human being in the world can be illuminated by their divine light. There is a need to let the spiritual current of Kundkund Swami flow on the world stage so that today's suffering and distressed humanity can immerse themselves in it and experience true peace. The five principles on which today's government wants to establish world peace are deeply embedded in the Arhat Darshan, its Puranas, poetry, and story books. If the society following the Arhat Darshan makes a five-year plan for the propagation of its teachings and works with full force, it will create a significant change in its history. Millions and billions of wealth are lying unused inside Jain temples. If it is used for the propagation of the teachings of Jinendra Dev, it will be a great act of merit. Spending money on the propagation of Jinvani is a thousand times better than collecting silver and gold utensils and installing marble in temples - it is truly impactful for the Arhat Dharma.
Finally, I conclude this introduction by apologizing for any errors that may have occurred due to the vastness of the text, my limited knowledge, and my busy schedule.
Sagar 23.8.62
Humble Pannalal Jain