By
Pravin K. Shah
Jain Study Center of
North Carolina
Appendix - Summary of
Swetambar Jain Agams
Upang-agams:
The scriptures, which were
created in relation to Ang-agams, are called Upang-agams. They provide
further explanation of Ang-agams.
1. Aupa Patika Sutra (Ovavaiya):
This agam describes the
splendid procession (view) of King Konika when he visited Lord Mahavir.
It also explains how a person can attain heaven in the next life.
2. Raja Prashniya Sutra (Raya Pasen Ijja):
This agam describes the
story of Monk Keshi. Monk Keshi was the Ganadhara of Lord Parshvanath.
He removed the doubts of King Pradeshi regarding the existence and
attributes of the soul. Monk Keshi made the king a follower of the Jain
religion. After his death, the king was born in heaven as a deva. He
appeared from heaven to shower Lord Mahavir with unprecedented pomp and
splendor. The thirty‑two dramas (plays) described in this agam throw
light upon the ancient dramatic art of India.
3. Jivabhigama Sutra:
This agam describes the
universe and the subtle description of all living beings (souls) of the
universe. It gives very important information to the scholars of biology
and botany.
4. Prajnapana Sutra (Pannavana):
This agam describes the
form and attributes of souls from a different perspective.
5. Surya Prajnapti Sutra (Surya Pannti):
This agam describes the
Sun, the planets and the associated mathematics regarding their motion.
6. Chandra Prajnapti Sutra:
This agam describes the
Moon, the planets and the associated, mathematics regarding their motion.
Both of these upangas, the Chandra Prajnapti and Surya Prajnapati, are
very important in understanding the astrology of olden times.
7. Jambudveepa Prajnapti Sutra:
This agam provides a
description of Jambudveepa. Jambudeepa is a big island located in the
center of the middle world as explained in the Jain geography. It also
provides information on ancient kings.
8. Nirayarvali Sutra:
This agam describes the
story of ten bother princes. All ten princes fought with King Chetaka of
Vaishali in cooperation with king Konika. King Chetaka was the half
brother of the ten princes. In the end all ten princes went to hell after
dying in war.
9. Kalpa Vatansika Sutra (Kappavadamsiao):
This agam describes the
story of King Konika's children. They did not fight with King Chetaka in
the war. They renounced the world and became monks. After their death,
they went to heaven.
10. Pushpika Sutra (Puspiao):
This agam describes the
previous lives of certain devas (angels) who worshiped Lord Mahavir.
11.
Pushpa Chulika Sutra:
This agam describes
stories similar to those in the Pushpika.
12. Vrashnidasha Sutra (Vanhidasao):
This agam explains how
Lord Neminath convinced ten kings in the Vrashni region to follow the Jain
religion.
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