Jain Dharma Darshan evam Sanskruti

SR No.: 001787
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Sagarmal Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 2008
Total Pages: 226
Language: Hindi, English
Classification: Book_Devnagari & Articles
File Size: 13 MB

Page 178

4.
5.
Jaina Literature :
Works on religious preachings along with Jaina narrative
literature.
Jaina literature on secular subjects.
I
169
So far as Jaina canonical literature is concerned it is composed in Prakrit in between 5th century B.C. to 5th century A.D. based on the preachings of the Tirthankaras. This canonical literature includes many books the details of which are found in Nandīsūtra (5th Century A.D.). The list of Nandīsūtra includes twelve Angas, six Āvaśyakas, thirty-one Kalika-sūtras and twenty-nine Utkālika-sūtras to a total of 78 works. According to Śvetāmbara tradition out of these 78 works, one Anga-ägama i.e. Dṛṣṭivāda, 15 Kālika-sūtras and 11 Utkalikasūtras are not presently available, but the remaining 51 works are available. According to Digambara tradition except a very little part of Drṣtivada, all the canonical literature has been lost. It is believed that on the basis of some remaining part of the Dṛstivāda, Digambara Acaryas have composed some works, such as Kasāyapāhuḍa, Satkhaṇḍāgama, Tiloyapaṇṇatti, Samayasāra, Niyamasāra, Pravacanasāra, Mūlācāra Bhagavatī-ārādhanā etc.
According to Svetambara tradition at present 11 Angas, 12 Upangas, 6 Chedasūtras, 4 Mūlasūtras, 10 Prakīrņakas and 2 Culikāsūtras are available. This canonical literature was restored through five councils. The first council was held at Pațaliputra after the 150 years of Mahāvīra's Parinirvāṇa, under the leadership of Sthulibhadra. The second council had taken place at mountain Kumārī in 2nd Century B.C. in Orissa, which was organized by the king Khārvela. The third and fourth councils took place at Mathura and Valabhi simultaneously in 3rd century AD. under the leadership of Ārya Skandila and Nāgārjuna respectively. Before the third and fourth councils, canons were retained orally, it could be possible only in the fifth council at Valabhī in Gujarat in the year c. 453 or 466, where the canons were edited and given written form under the leadership