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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION.
The above discussion regarding the correct date of the Jayākhyasaṁhită leads us to more far-reaching results. This shows further that the other two Samhitās, the Pauşkara and the Sattvata, the two remaining jewels of the Parcarātra School, were very probably composed during the same period. The date further shows that these Pāñcarătras are definitely later than the Tantric schools of the Buddhists which had their origin before in the Mañjuśrīmulakalpa, the Guhyasamāja and Asanga's Sādhana. That in Hindu literature the Părcarātras represented the transitional stage of development between the Purāpas and the Tantras is therefore apparent. It shows, moreover, that though the origin of the school is considerably earlier, it diminished much in importance and probably the tradition was completely lost later, to be revived again under the benevolent and tolerant rule of the Guptas when all other sects were making an attempt to consolidate their position. And, indeed, they made a great headway as we find several monarchs of the Gupta dynasty proclaiming themselves as Mahābhāgavatasi at once showing that they embraced the Pañcarātra faith and were under the influence of the reformers of the Pancarătra School.
BARODA, The 22nd November.
B. BHATTACHARYYA.
General Editor.
1.
For instance the Bhitari Inscription No. 13 in Corp. Insor. Ind. vol. III-Gupta Insouptions.
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