Jain Legend Vol 3

Author(s): Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana

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Bharata region, namely c rya Duh Prasaha. We are identifying this period as the partial knower of scriptures (S m nya rutadhara).
In this third volume, we are planning to bring out the history of Jainism for the period starting from the departure to heavenly abode of rya Devardhiga i Kam rama a (V.N.1000) to the time of 47th pontiff of Lord Mah v ra's congregation c rya Kala a Prabha, then up to the period till Lok ha in the fourth volume and finally from that period thereafter in the fifth volume.
History of Jain religion from the time of its 1st T rthamkara Lord V abha Deva till heavenly departure of rya Devardhiga i K am rama a had seen almost a unified congregation (barring a few minor aberrations during the time of c rya Mah giri and c rya Suhasti) adhering to the doctrine and conduct as propagated by 24th T rthamkara. Even though the unified congregation was divided into five sects namely, Digambara, Y pan ya, vet mbara, Temple dwellers and Bha raks; the doctrine and conduct was followed by majority of Jains remained the same as originally propagated by T rthamkaras till V.N. 1000. Thus the original doctrine and conduct continued to flow during this period like a primary river with other sub divisions and sects as its tributaries. But the state of
Jainism, after the death of Devardhiga i K am rama a, being divided into many sects and congregations was very different than what it was originally. It became very complicated and contrary to its original character. However, Jainism till V.N. 245 i.e. the death of c rya Mah giri continued as a unified and pure tradition of c ryas as propagated by Lord Mah v ra.
From V.N. 245 to V.N. 1000; even though the history of Jainism is replete with external divisions according to epochal, discourse and group or ga a c ryas, yet the basic doctrine and conduct of rama as and followers, like the confluence of three rivers, continued as unified and great tradition and religion.
During this period, management and conduct of the congregation of Lord Mah v ra was led by the trio of epochal, discourse and group (ga a) c ryas. These three different leaders continued to propagate the true doctrine as depicted in the scriptures (gamas) while projecting a unified
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