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The Uttar Purana, part of the Mahapurana, is notable for its abundance of descriptions and the sequential nature of its five creations. These qualities greatly impressed Professor Pathak. It is unfortunate for the history of Sanskrit literature that Jinsen left this work unfinished before passing away. His disciple Gunabhadra, with great hesitation, completed the work in 897 CE, considering it his duty to his guru. Lokasen, Gunabhadra's disciple, then established its reputation. It is a remarkable event that the literary personalities of Virasen, Jinsen, and Gunabhadra are found to be inseparable and well-organized. This extraordinary trinity seems to have incarnated to produce the three treasures of Indian literature: Dhavala, Jayachvala, and Mahapurana. It is impossible for one person to complete such a work in a lifetime.
In addition to completing his guru's work, the Mahapurana, Gunabhadra also composed two other Sanskrit works: 'Atmanushasan', which includes 272 religious and ethical paryokas, and 'Jindaracharit', a narrative poem about the nine sagas.
We are deeply grateful to Shriman Seth Shantiprasadji and his learned wife, Shrimati Rmaraniji, who are passionate about Sanskrit literature, especially Jain literature. They have established the Bharatiya Gyanapith and are publishing important Sanskrit and Prakrit texts. They have no concern for the cost of this publication, their only commendable goal is to ensure that ancient Indian literature does not remain hidden in darkness. Their selfless dedication and love for literature are beyond words. While the 'Gyanapith Lokoday Granthamala' is spreading knowledge among the common people, the 'Gyanapith Murtidevi Jain Prathamala' is respectfully preserving and promoting India's ancient literary treasure, especially its neglected parts. In this way, the Gyanapith is fulfilling a noble national goal and a great cultural purpose. It is also contributing to its own progress.
All publications are in the national language, Hindi. Shri Ayodhyaprasadji Goyali, the minister of the Bharatiya Gyanapith, is diligently working to keep the Gyanapith's work dynamic.
We are grateful to Pandit Pashchalalji Sahityacharya for equipping this edition of the Mahapurana with a Hindi translation.
We have full hope and confidence that this edition will prove to be inspiring for the study and exploration of the Mahapurana from various perspectives.
Heeralal Jain Adinath Neminath Upadhye