Question

Bhagavati Sutra is related to which of the following religions?
A) Buddhism
B) Jainism
C) Hinduism
D) Sikhism

Answer 1

Hint: Sutra is an aphorism or a collection of aphorisms in the form of a handbook or, more broadly, a condensed manual or text in Indian literary traditions. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism all have sutras, which are ancient and mediaeval Indian texts.

Complete answer:
The Bhagavati Sutra, aur Vyakhyaprajnapti, is the fifth of the 12 Jain Agamas reported to have been published by Mahavira. Sudharmaswami of the Vtmbara school of Jainism is reported to have composed the Vyakhya Prajnapti, which is written in Jain Prakrit. It is the canon's largest work, containing 36,000 questions that Mahavira is supposed to have answered. The replies cover a wide range of topics, from dogma to ascetic norms.

Let us analyze the given options:
Option A) Buddhism: Sutras, also known as suttas, are canonical Buddhist writings, many of which are considered transcripts of Gautama Buddha's spoken teachings. They aren't aphoristic, but they are very thorough, with occasional repetition. Rather than sutra, this could be a philological root of sukta (well spoken) (thread). Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option B) Jainism: The Bhagwati sutra is the fifth of the 12 Jain Agamas that Mahavira is claimed to have promulgated. Sudharmaswami is supposed to have composed the Bhagwati sutra. Hence, this option is correct.

Option C) Hinduism: Sutras are a sort of literary writing in Hinduism, consisting of a collection of short aphoristic assertions. The Brahmana and Aranyaka layers of the Vedas include Hinduism's oldest sutras. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option D) Sikhism: The sacred scripture of Sikhism, an Indian faith, is known as Adi Granth (Punjabi: "First Book"), also known as Granth or Granth Sahib. It contains over 6,000 hymns written by Sikh Gurus (religious leaders) and other early and mediaeval saints of various religions and castes. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Therefore, Option ‘B’ i.e, Jainism is the correct answer because Bhagavati Sutra is related to the Jainism religion.


Note: The Vyakhyaprajnapti or Bhagavati Sutra is divided into shatakam, which are 41 portions. It is structured in the form of a question and answer format. Gautama, Makan Putra, Roha, Agnibhuti and Vayubhuti, Skandaka, Jayanti, and others all pose inquiries.