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PREFACE : XXIII
Candravedhyaka Prakīrņaka :
Candravedhyaka-Prakīrņaka is a treatise set in verse. Its first mention was found in the Nandī and the Pākṣika Sūtras (Circa 5th Century AD). In both, Candravedhyaka is mentioned as an Arigabāhya, Āvaśyakavyatirikta, Utkālika Sūtra.'
While introducing Candravedhyaka, it has been said in the Pākṣikasūtra Vrtti that according to “Candravedhyake candro yantraputrikākṣigolako gļhyate, à maryādayā viddhayata ityā vedhyam, kapratyaye Candravedhyakami Rādhāvedha Ityarthaha. Tadupamāṇamaraņārādhanāpratipadako granthaścandravedhyakam.” 'Candra' means the eyeball of the mechanically rotating statuette (Rādhā), 'a' denotes the totality, 'Vedhya' means 'to pierce' and 'ka’ is the word-ending (Pratyaya). Thus, Candravedhyaka' means piercing the eyeball of the mechanically rotating statuette or Rādhā vedha. Accordingly, Candravedhyaka is a treatise that prescribes the end practice of voluntary peaceful death (Maraņārādhana)?. Actually, it means `an art to attain the ultimate goal of life through voluntary peaceful death”.
'A. 'Ukkāliami anegavihami pannattami tamjaha 1. Dasaveāliam, ....15. Candavijjhayam, ...29. Mahāpaccakkhāṇam, evamāim.'
- Nandī Sūtra, Muni Madhukara, pp. 161, 162. B. Namotesimi Khamāsamaņaṇam, .....arigabāhiram ukkāliyam
bhagavantam tamjahā Dasaveāliam 1, .....Candāvijjhayami 14, .....Mahāpaccakkhānam 28.'
- Pākṣika Sūtra, Devendra Lalbhai Jain Pustakoddhara, p. 76.
2 A. Paksika Sūtra Vịtti, leaf 77. B. Abhidhāna Rājendra Koşa, Pt. III, p. 1097.
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