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The object in compiling and publishing this 'Cyclopaedia of Vardhamana, as they have Called it, is to indicate. with references the known sources quoting the different texts with their Hindi translations, on almost all the details or data relating to Bhagawan Vardhamana Mahavira (599 527 B.C), the 24th and last Thirthankara of the Jaina tradition. The sources utilised include the canonical texts, their commentaries and the non canonical literature of the Shvetambara tradition, alongwith the more important works of the Digambara tradition, a few of Buddhish and Brahamanical works relevant to the purpose, and some later encyclopaedia. dictionaries and reference volumes.
Part-I of the Kosha contained details of the life of the great Hero from his conception to Nirvana, whereas Part-II, the present volume, deals with the 33 or so previous births of Mahavira, as gleaned from the Shvetambara and Digambara sources incidentally facilitating a comperative study of the two traditional accounts, besides, the five Kalyanakas or auspicious events of his life, his aliases or epithets, his eulogies, his Samavasarana, Divya, dhwani or Discourse Divine, his sanghs or the fourifold order. his disciples including the Eleven Ganadharas headed by Indrabhuti Gautamas with particulars about each, and many other minor or miscellaneous details
On many points, the information collected in this part supplements that contained in the first part. The topics have been classified and arranged in the international decimal system as adapted by the editors of this Kosha and used in their earlier topical dictionaries, mentioned above.
There is no doubt as to the value and usefulness of this unique opical dictionary of the Tirthankara Mahavira for scholars and research Workers. We heartily congratulate the Learned Pt Srichand Choraria or accomplishing this very painstaking and time-consuming task so atisfactorily. The Jain Darshan Samiti and its Office bearers deserve hanks for publishing the Volume.
yoti Nikunj. Charbagh Lucknow-19 (U.P.) 2th June, 1984
Jain Education International
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(JYOTI PRASAD JAIN)
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