Agam 05 Ang 05 Bhagvati Vyakhyaprajnapti Sutra Part 01 Sthanakvasi

Author(s): Amarmuni, Shreechand Surana
Publisher: Padma Prakashan

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PREFACE
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BEST AMONG THE ELEVEN ANGAS : BHAGAVATI SUTRA
In the corpus of Jain Agamic literature the twelve Angas, popularly known as Dvadashangi (The Twelve Limbed), are accepted as the original source books. Drishtivad, the last of the twelve books, being extinct, only eleven Angas are available in modern times. These are popularly known as Ekadashangi (The Eleven Limbed) or Ganipitak (The Box of Ganis).
Bhagavati or Vyakhya Prajnapti, the fifth Anga is believed to be the best of Angas (head). In fact, Bhagavati Sutra is the top ranking and most voluminous among the available Agams. Like other Angas, this too has been compiled by Sudharma Swami, the fifth Ganadhar. NAME AND IMPORTANCE
The sermon of Vitaraga Sarvajna Prabhu (the Detached Omniscient Lord) is lavished with an astonishing treasure of knowledge. It is natural that this gem of scriptures; made up of the compilation of profound answers by Shraman Bhagavan Mahavir to 36,000 questions by Ganadhar Guru Shri Indrabhuti Gautam, the embodiment of infinite powers, and other Ganadhars, Sthavirs (senior ascetics) and Shramans; evokes feelings of earnest devotion and deep respect in masses. The sermon of Vitaraga Sarvajna Prabhu has the unique capacity of transforming and purifying the whole life. In a way it is divine power. That is why whenever there is a recitation of Vyakhya Prajnapti the minds of devotees brim with devotion and, like a peacock, dance in exhilaration when they receive the words of Jineshvar Bhagavan Mahavir Prabhu addressed to Ganadhar Bhagavan Gautam Swami. Respectful devotees consider attending the recital of this scripture to be a rare and unprecedented opportunity. As a result this comparatively voluminous and reverential scripture acquired the adjective 'Bhagavati before its name Vyakhya Prajnapti. For more than a century the adjective 'Bhagavati' has turned into an independent epithet. At present its more popular name is Bhagavati rather than Vyakhya Prajnapti.
The Prakrit name of Vyakhya Prajnapti is Viyaha Pannati. At some places it is also mentioned as Vibaha or Vivaha Pannati. However, Abhayadev Suri, the commentator (Vritti), has accepted Viyaha Pannati as the authentic name. Taking three transliterations of this name in Sanskrit he has interpreted the name three ways
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