Ang Sootra Gaathaadi Akaaraadi Kram - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Ang Sootra Gaathaadi Akaaraadi Kram," based on the scanned pages:

Book Title: Ang Sootra Gaathaadi Akaaraadi Kram (अंग-सूत्रादि-अकारादि) Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar (re-compiler) Publisher: Deepratnasagar (Net Publications of jain_e_library) Original Editor/Compiler: Acharya Shri Anand Sagar Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb (Pujya Agamoddharak Acharya Dev Shri Anand Sagar Surishwarji M. Sa.) Re-compiler: Muni Diperatnasagar (M.Com., M.Ed., Ph.D., Srutmaharshi) Date of Re-compilation: July 28, 2017 Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/007210/1

Core Purpose and Content:

This publication, "Ang Sootra Gaathaadi Akaaraadi Kram," is a significant Jain Agam-related literature. Its primary purpose is to provide an alphabetical (Akaaraadi) index of the initial words (Sootraady) and verses (Gaathaadi) of the Jain Agams (sacred scriptures). This facilitates easier access and study of the vast body of Agamic literature by organizing it according to the starting letters of the words and verses.

Key Features and Development:

Alphabetical Indexing (Akaaraadi Kram): The core of the work is the systematic arrangement of Agamic verses and initial words based on the Sanskrit/Prakrit alphabet (varnamala). This means the book lists entries starting with 'A', then 'K', 'Kh', 'G', and so on, through to 'H'. The provided text shows this arrangement from 'A' (अ-कार) through to 'H' (ह-कार) and beginning of 'K' (क-कार) and 'R' (र-कार).
Comprehensive Coverage: The index aims to cover the "Ang Sootras" (the principal scriptures of Jainism) and other categories of Agamic literature, including "Upang Sootras" (secondary scriptures) and "Prakirnak Sootras" (miscellaneous scriptures) like Nandi, Anuyogadvara, and Aavashyak.
Historical Context and Re-editing:
- The original work of indexing the Anga Sootras (specifically Acharyashri Anand Sagarji's edition of the eleven Angas) was done previously.
- This current publication by Muni Diperatnasagar is a re-compilation and re-editing of this valuable index. It builds upon the foundational work done by Acharya Anand Sagar Surishwarji, who had meticulously edited and indexed the Anga Sootras, Upanga Sootras, and other Agamic texts.
- The re-compilation involved scanning the original printed versions, creating a special format, and placing the original edited text within it for preservation and accessibility.
- The original editor, Acharya Anand Sagar Surishwarji, had a vision of classifying 52 subjects related to Agam literature, and this work aligns with that broader effort.
Facilitating Research and Study:
- The publication acknowledges that while the printed Agam texts are useful for monks and lay followers, this index is particularly beneficial for researchers and scholars (munipungavan), providing them with a structured way to navigate and study the intricate Agamic texts.
- The "Sootraank" (verse number) and "Deepank" (reference number, possibly indicating the specific edition or commentary) are provided for each entry, allowing for precise referencing.
- The text also includes a system where numbers like '8' refer to the Acharya's edition of the Aacharang Sootra, '9' for Sutrakritang, and so on, up to '18' for Prashna Vyakarana, helping readers locate the exact source within the Agam collection.
Modern Accessibility: The publication is presented as an "Internet Publication" by jain_e_library.org, recognizing the internet as the simplest, cheapest, and most modern way to reach a global audience. There is also an intention to print this work in the future.
Devotional Aspect: The text begins with invocations ("Namo Namo Nirmal Darshanass," "Shri Anand-Kshama-Lalit-Sushil-Sudharmasagar Gurubhyo Namaha"), reflecting the devotional reverence for the purity of knowledge and the lineage of teachers.

Structure of the Index:

The index is organized alphabetically by the first letter of the key word or verse. For each entry, it typically includes:

The starting word/phrase of the verse (Sootraady): This is the key element for indexing.
The Agam scripture it belongs to: Indicated by numbers (e.g., 8 for Aacharang, 9 for Sutrakritang).
The verse number or reference within that scripture (Sootraank): This points to the specific location of the verse.
A "Deepank" or reference number: Likely a cross-reference within the publication or to a specific commentary.

Overall Significance:

"Ang Sootra Gaathaadi Akaaraadi Kram" is a testament to the meticulous effort undertaken to make the profound and extensive Jain Agamic literature accessible and comprehensible. It serves as a vital scholarly tool, enabling deeper study, research, and understanding of Jain philosophy and teachings. The re-compilation by Muni Diperatnasagar ensures that this valuable indexing work continues to be available and utilized by the Jain community and scholars worldwide.