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Śramana, Vol. 59, No. 2
April-June 2008
Jaina Canonical Literature
Each and every religion has its own canons or sacred books. The sacred books of Jainas are known as āgama. Jaina āgamas are composed in Prakrit language, which has various forms or shades such as Māgadhī, Ardhamāgadhi, Pāli, Paiśāci, Saurasenī, Mahārāstrī, etc.
Jaina canonical literature is found in Ardhamāgadhi and Sauraseni Prakrit. The Svetāmbara canons are found in Ardhamāgadhi with some impact of Mahārāstrī, while the Digambara cannons are found in Saurasenī Prakrit with some impact of Mahārāstrī Prakrit, which is also known as Jaina-Sauraseni.
Most of the Jaina canonical literature was composed in between 5th century B.C. to 3rd century A.D. Though there are some works such as Nandīsūtra, present edition of the Praśnavyākarana sūtra and Antakặtddaśānga of Svetămbara tradition and Satkhandāgama of Digambara tradition along with some other works of Digambara Ācāryas, which were composed after the 3rd century A.D. No doubt some interpolations and changes took place at the time of the Māthuri and Valabhí councils, when the Āgamas, after final editing, were given the shape of book. These interpolations and changes are clearly traceable.
According to Svetāmbara tradition, five councils (vācanās) were held at different places for the compilation and editing of the canonical works, particularly for the Ardhamāgadhi canons of Śvetāmbara tradition. Though the Digambara tradition does not accept the validity of these councils as well as works compiled in these councils. The first council was held at Pāšalīputra in 3rd century B.C. The second council was held in 1st century B.C under the
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