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This natural curiosity may arise - based on the object called "Purvagata Achar", Nishita was created or established, its name was "Acharprakalp". Due to the similarity of the subject matter, it may have been added to the Acharang. Since Acharprakalp has the provision of atonement, it was highly essential that it be considered as authoritative as the words of the Tirthankara. From this perspective, it may have been established as a Chula of Acharang. Based on Acharangniyukti, it is clear that the first four Chulas of Acharang were created based on Acharang, but the fifth Chula, Nishita, was created from the "Purva" called Pratyakhyan. Nishita also has a name called Achar.
In Acharangniyukti, it is clearly written about the Chulika of Acharang, "The subject of the Chulika was taken from Achar by the Sthaviras for the benefit of the disciples."
In Acharangniyukti Gatha 287, the word "Therhi" is used. While explaining the word Sthavir, Acharya Sheelank has written, "Who established Acharang and who were they? Were they Sthaviras or Chaturdashapurvadhar?" But in Acharangchurni, the word Sthavir is interpreted as Gandhar. In Nishitchurni, it is clearly mentioned that the author of Nishitasutra is the Tirthankara from the perspective of meaning and Gandhar from the perspective of Sutra. According to Nishitchurni, the author of Nishita is also considered to be Gandhar. The main reason for this is that Nishita is included under Angasahitya. Here, there is a difference of opinion regarding the meaning of the word Sthavir. Acharya Sheelank has interpreted the word Sthavir as Chaturdashapurvi but not as Gandhar. While in Acharangchurni and Nishitchurni, the meaning of Sthavir is interpreted as Gandhar. The main reason for this could be that Nishita is a part of Acharang. Acharang is Ang-Agam. The Tirthankaras are the meaning-interpreters of the Angas and the Sutra-creators are the Gandharas. From this perspective, they may have considered Nishita to be created by Gandhar.
Here, this question may naturally arise that the Niyukti was created before the Churni. The Niyuktikar has written Nishita as Sthavir and the Churnikar has written it as Gandhar. The main reason for this could be that the creators of the Angas are Gandharas, therefore it may have been written as Gandhar.
1.
(a) "Ayarako Pun Pacchakkhanass Taiyavatyoo. Shrayarnam Adhijjya Visesima Pahudchcheya || (b) Vyavaharbhshya Ga. 200
2. " Therhi Anuggahatta Sisahiam Hou Pagadtham Cha. Shrayaramro Aththo Ayaragesu Pavibhatto || " Sthaviras Shrutavruddha Chaturdasha Purviddhi.
3.
4.
Eyani Pun Ayaaegaani Ayar Chev Nijjudhani. Ken Nijjudhani 2 Therhi 287 Thera - Gandharaha ||
25
Is Acharang divided into Achar Chulika?
- Acharangniyukti Ga. 281
- Acharangniyukti Ga. 287 - Acharangniruyukti Ga. 287
- Acharangchurni P. 336