Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

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STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
[Ch. I
in the same words. Besides these, identical familiar similies, metaphors, and analogies drawn from gods, men, animals, physical phenomena and the daily incidents of life are found in them. The general character of the language (Ardha-Magadhi, Brahmi lipi) and phraseology used by the authors of all the canonical works are the same, for they are written on the same foundations of phrases and proverbs and the same ground of literary allusions and laid on the same plan. Thus it is found that a caitya where the holy teachings of Lord Mahāvīra took place was followed by a city-scene from where the people came forth to the caitya to attend the religious discourse of the Master, e. g a stream of peoples of Ksatriyakundagrāma made pilgrimage to Lord Mahāvira during his stay at the Bahusalaka caitya.
All the canonical works refer to similar social conditions, customs and manners, dresses and ornaments, etc.
Examples of parallel statements as found in the BHS and other canonical works :
The BhS once makes reference to the Samavayanga Sutra in connection with the number of Kulakaras, that of Tirthankaras, etc. in the Avasarpini kāla as already mentioned. "Jambuddive.........kai kulagarā......... jaha Samaväe......tahā
neyavva."
There occur references in this canonical work to the Aupapātika Sutra in regard to the following topics for their detailed treatment..
(1) Mahaśilakanṭaka Sangrama and preparation of king Kunika for this war.
"Tae nam se Kūņie rāyā......mangalajayasaddakayaloe evam jahā Uvāvāie jāva uvāgacchitta Udayim hatthirayam duruḍhe".
"Tae nam se Kūņie rāyā......hārotthayasu kayaraiyavacche jaha Uvavāie jāva seyavaracāmarahim, etc."
2 Ib. 7, 9, 300.
1 Bhs 5, 5, 203.