The Doctrine of the Jainas, Described after the Old Sources c7.s2.1

c7.s2.1

§ 47. Uvangas 1-3. 1. Uvavāiya (this, not Ova-, is the true old name). Two parts not numbered of which the second gives the name to the whole Uvanga. The first part calls itself Samosaraṇa and describes the preparations made for the approach of Mahāvīra and the sermon he is going to deliver in the presence of King Kuṇiya near the town of Campā. This extensive description in veḍha metre appearing in so-called vaṇṇaga has provided the model¹ for many canonical texts, including Angas 8 and 9 where they are indicated merely by catchwords. The second part deals with reincarnation (uvavāya) and salvation as the reward for certain actions and principles (the story of Ambaḍa and Daḍhapainna), describes the kevali-samugghāya (§ 89), the entrance into Nīrvāṇa (an interpolation), the physical conditions necessary for it, and the abode of the Siddhas. All this, with a few exceptions, is told as being a reply of Mahāvīra to a question of Goyama. The Uvavāiya, accordingly, is of a very composite nature.