Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
by K. C. Lalwani | 1973 | 185,989 words
The English translation of the Bhagavati-sutra which is the fifth Jaina Agama (canonical literature). It is a large encyclopedic work in the form of a dialogue where Mahavira replies to various question. The present form of the Sutra dates to the fifth century A.D. Abhayadeva Suri wrote a vritti (commentary) on the Bhagavati in A.D. 1071. In his J...
Part 7 - On language of the gods
Q. 64. Bhante! In what language do gods speak? What is the special language spoken by them?
A. 64. Gautama! Gods speak in Ardha-Māgadhi. Being spoken by them, Ardha-Māgadhi language has acquired a special status16.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
16. The language spoken in Magadha was Māgadhī. With an admixture of Prakṛt, it became Ardha-Māgadhī or half-Māgadhī. At that time, six languages spoken were Prakṛt [Prakrit], Saṃskṛta [Sanskrit], Māgadhī, Paiśācī, Śaurasenī and Apavraṃśa [Apabhraṃśa].