Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
The fact that delicate princesses nurtured in palaces can achieve such intense austerity and make their souls shine like pure gold is evident from the study of these two sections. Scattered throughout the Agamas and their commentaries are glimpses into the lives of these great queens. Due to the fear of excessive length, we are not including all those instances here. These queens performed various types of rigorous austerities, which are mentioned in these sections. Finally, they all complete their lifespan, including Sanlekhana, and attain Nirvana.
Thus, the Antakrid Dasang Sutra vividly describes the practices of various types of sadhakas and sadhikas. On one hand, there are young ascetics like Gaja Sukumar, while on the other hand, there are brilliant Shraman stars like Ati Mukta Kumar at a young age. On the third hand, the life stories of the queens of Vasudeva Shri Krishna and Emperor Shrenik are radiating bright rays of austerity. This is why, during the holy and auspicious moments of Paryushana, the speakers of the Sthanakwasi tradition recite this Agama. It is the eighth Anga in the Angas, divided into eight sections, and there are eight days of the Paryushana festival. It contains the sacred character of 90 sadhakas who ultimately destroy the eight karmas. It is capable of bestowing the eight-fold perfection.
It is unknown when the tradition of reciting this Agama during the golden occasion of Paryushana began. It is possible that it started with Veer Laungashah or after him! Whoever dared to start this tradition must have been a very brilliant person!
Two commentaries on the Antakrid Dasang Sutra are available in Sanskrit. One by Acharya Abhaydev and the other by Acharya Ghasilalji Maharaj. Three or four Gujarati translations have been published, and five Hindi translations have been released. In this way, twelve editions of this Agama have come to light. 57 English translations have also been printed.
This present edition has some distinct features compared to previous editions. It contains the pure original text, meaning, and occasional discussions that express the profound emotions found in the story. The appendix also includes very useful material such as notes to reveal the secrets of the Agama.
The credit for editing this Agama goes to Bahin Sadhvi Divyaprabhaji, who is a disciple of the supremely learned Sadhvi Ratna Ujjvalkumariji. The learned Mahasati Shri Ujjvalkumariji was a highly talented Sadhvi. The entire Jain community is well acquainted with her name. The strong talent of Mahasatiji can be easily seen in her disciples. The divine rays of Mahasati Shri Divyaprabhaji's talent are scattered in this present Agama. Her effort is commendable. Hopefully, she will continue to advance in the field of writing and dedicate the best works to the treasury of Saraswati!
Jain Agamas are a priceless treasure of Indian literature, upon which the grand palace of Jain governance is based. Efforts have been made from various places regarding its publication and editing. But there was a long-standing need for editions that could clarify the core essence of the Agama. They should be able to unlock the Guru Granth of the Agama in the light of the Agama's commentary literature. With this vision, Shraman Sangh's young Acharya Shri Madhukar Muni Ji has accomplished this great task.
57. See - Jain Agama Literature: Contemplation and Interpretation - Le. Devendramuni p. 713
[31]