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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS:
ARYA SUDHARMA
In the modern Shvetambar tradition fifth Ganadhar Arya Sudharma occupies a very important position. He was the first Pattadhar (head of the order) of Bhagavan Mahavir's order and the first leader in his spiritual tradition (Shrut parampara) and lineage of disciples (shishya parampara).
The first propagator of the knowledge given by Bhagavan Mahavir, which is today preserved with us in the form of Agams, was Arya Sudharma. He gave the form of Sutras (scriptures) to the words (tenets) of Bhagavan Mahavir. The same tenets he transferred to his chief disciple Arya Jambu as knowledge. That is why he is accepted as the First Propagator of Agams.
Today all Shramans and Shramanis of all extant sects of Shvetambar Jains belong to the lineage of disciples of Arya Sudharma. The first acharya (head of the order) of the existing Shraman tradition was Arya Sudharma. That is why all the ascetics are called disciples of Arya Sudharma.
Arya Sudharma was very close to Bhagavan Mahavir. He worshipped and served Bhagavan Mahavir with complete physical and mental devotion, and ensured the future progress of the lineage of his disciples and tradition of his knowledge.
The scholarly thinker acharya Shri Vijaya Nityanand Surishvar ji M. has written this nice, interesting and authentic brief biography of the fifth Ganadhar Arya Sudharma Swami in light of historical facts. It is interesting, instructive as well as informative. We express our indebtedness.
Author:
Acharya Shrimad Vijaya Nityanand Suri. ji M.
Compilation:
Srichand Surana "Saras" Dr. Mansukhbhai Jain, Sanjay Surana
Editor:
Muni Shri Chidanand Vijaya ji M. Managing Editors: English Translation: Surendra Bothara
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