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In addition to the twelve Anga works composed by the Ganadhars, other canonical literature, (Angabähya) which was composed by Sthavirs or elder monks are also included as part of the Jain Agams. Such Sthavirs are of two types, Shruta-kevalis (one who comprehends the entire Shruta-14 Purvas) and Das-purvis (one who has acquired knowledge of the ten Purvas). Shruta-kevalis are those, who are especially well versed in the meaning and essence of the Agams. The Digambar sect believes that all Anga-bähya Agams were also gradually lost starting about two hundred years after Bhagawan Mahävir's Nirvana. Hence, in their opinion, the complete Jain Agam literature was lost within a few hundred years of Bhagawan Mahävir's Nirvana. The Digambars have accepted 14 works, the Shvetämbars 34 works, and the Sthänakaväsis 21 works as Anga-bähya Agams. Jain Sects Total Anga- Number of Anga- Number of Anga-bähya
bähya Agams bähya Agams Lost Ägams Survived Digambar
14 Shvetämbar 34
34 Murtipujak Shvetämbar
21 Sthänakaväsi Shvetämbar Teräpanthi
14
0
21
Per Shvetämbar tradition, Anga-bähya Agams are Upanga-sutras, Chheda-sutras, Mool-sutras, Chulikäsutras and Prakirna-sutras. Upanga Sutras: The scriptures, which were created in relation to Anga-pravishtha Agams, are called Upanga Agams. They provide further explanation of the Anga-pravishtha Agams. Aupapätika Sutra (Ovaväiyam): This Agam describes the splendid procession (view) of King Konika when he visited Bhagawan Mahävir. It also explains how a person can attain heaven in the next life. Räja-prashniya Sutra (Räyä-pasena-ija): This Agam describes the story of Monk Keshi. Monk Keshi was the Ganadhar of Bhagawän Pärshvanath. He removed the doubts of King Pradeshi regarding the existence and attributes of the soul. Monk Keshi made the king a follower of the Jain religion. After his death, the king was born in heaven as a Deva. He appeared from heaven to shower Bhagawan Mahävir with unprecedented pomp and splendor. The thirty-two dramas (plays) described in this Agam throw light upon the ancient dramatic art of India. Jiväbhigama Sutra: This Agam describes the universe and the subtle description of all living beings (souls) of the universe. It gives very important information to the scholars of biology and botany. Prajnäpanä Sutra (Pannavanä): This Agam describes the form and attributes of souls from a different perspective. Surya-prajnapti Sutra (Suriya-pannatti): This Agam describes the Sun, the planets and the associated mathematics regarding their motion. Chandra-prajnapti Sutra: This Ägam describes the Moon, the planets and the associated, mathematics regarding their motion. Both of these Upangas, the Chandra Prajnapti and Surya-prajnapti, are very important in understanding the astrology of olden times. Jambudvipa-prajnapti Sutra: This Agam provides a description of Jambudvipa. Jambudvipa is a big island located in the center of the middle world as explained in Jain geography. It also provides information on ancient kings.
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