Mahavir's Sermons

Sermons of the 24th Jain Tirthankar, Mahavir, were recorded in the form of a book, 'Shatkhandagam', and preserved for future generations, centuries ago on the day of Jeshtha Shukla Panchami. Hence, the day is known as Shrut Panchami. And since this granth is written in Prakrit language, the day is also celebrated as Prakrit Language Day.

For years, the teachings of Mahavir remained in the form of Shrut; they were transmitted from sages to the followers orally. Bhadrabahu was the last Shrutkevali. After him, Kshayopasham, the slowness of knowledge, set in. After 683 years of Bhagwan Mahavir's nirvana, the remaining knowledge of the past totally disappeared. And the Shrut tradition could not continue due to the continuous decline of the intellect.

Realising this, Digambar Jain monk Acharya Dharsen invited two qualified sages, Acharya Pushpadant and Acharya Bhootbali to his shelter in the Girnar Mountain, Gujarat, to document the remaining knowledge. He recorded the oral teachings of the Agmas from memory and, thus, the 'Shatkhandagam' came about.


In Jainism, the worship of God, scriptures and guru has special importance. Acharya Dharsen established self-study for self-welfare. He and disciples Pushpadant and Bhootbali are revered for helping spread Mahavir's teachings.

Today is Shrut Panchami