________________
XXII: SĀRĀVALĪ PRAKĪRNAKA composed sometime after the 14th century AD. There is, also, a marked influence of the Apabhranića on its language. Hence, it could have been created sometime after the 8th century AD and before the 15th century AD. Similarly, the appearance of the word, 'Gaccha'in this work suggests that it was composed after the 10th century AD, because its usages are not found prior to that period.
The Subject-matter -
There are a total of 116 verses in Säravali Prakirnaka. All these verses dwell upon the subject of the importance of Pundarikagiri (Strunjaya hill in the Saurastra region of Gujarat). First of all, as a benedictory composition and dwelling upon the importance of the five paragons of spiritual virtue (Pasca Paramesthi), obeisance have been offered to the Ultimate accomplished (Siddha), the Destroyers of (the spiritual) foes (Arihanta), the Spiritual masters (Ācārya), the Spiritual teachers and preceptors (Upādhyāya) and the ordinary ascetics (Sädhu). (verses 1-2)
According to this text, the five paragons of spiritual virtue are deserving of our reverence by virtue of their qualities and abilities. These five paragons are kins, dear and very dear to all the living beings of the universe. (verses 3–4)
In the following verses it has been said that the five paragons are endowed with all the great spiritual virtues and that these virtues are, always, equally worthy of worship by all the humans as well as the gods. Further, it has been added that the lands that have been consecrated by these five paragons are worthy of worship by the humans and the gods. (verses 5–6)
With reference to the origin and benefit of Pundarikagiri
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
