Studies in Jainology Prakrit Literature and Languages

Author(s): B K Khadabadi
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 17

Studies in Jainology. Prakrit
declare that Mahāvīra preached and taugh in the Ardhamāgadhi language. The Samvāyamga Sulla states: “Bhagavam ca nam Addhamāgahic bhāsāe dhammam aikkhail
The revered one taught the law in the Ardhamāgadhi language.
Similarly the Ovavaiya Sutta tells : “Tac nam samanu Bhagavam mahavire Kūniyassa. . . . . . (elc.) Adhamagahe bhāsac bhāsai Aribā dhammam parikahei."2 The revered ascetic Mahavira spoke with and explained the Law to King Kunika etc. in the Ardhamagadhi language.” These scriptural works also describe, 10 some extent, the general nature of the Ardhamāgadhi language used by Mahāvīra. The Samavayamga says:
"Sā vi nam Addhamagahi bhäsijjamani tesim savvesim ayariyanamnariyanam duppayacauppaya miya pasupakkhi sarisa-van appano hiyasivasuhada bhāsattārā parinamai.'
“That happiness-bliss-and-peace giving Ardhamāgadhi language, while being spoken, undergocs modifications for the Aryans, the Anaryans, the bipeds, the quadrupeds, the wild and tamed animals, reptiles etc.” The Ovavaiya Sutta also states that Mahavira's Ardhamāgadhi language was “Savvabhasanugamini”+ ei., standing comparision with all the languages and further adds,
"Sa vi ya nam Addhamagaha bhasa tesim savvesim ayariyanamanāyariyanam apppano sabhāsāe parināmenam
parināmei">S
“That Ardhamagadhi language modified itself into the respective language of all the Aryas and the Anāryas .
Based on such scriptural works and, or, following, traditions, some later scholars expressed similar vicws regarding Mahavira's medium of preaching or teaching and its general nature. Pischel has already noted Vāgbhata (Alankāratilaka I.1), Abhayadeva on Uvāsagadasão, Malayagirl on Sūriyapannatti, Hemacandra in Abhidhānacintamani with his own commentary etc.' Dr. J.C. Sikdar