SHREE ANUTAROVAVAI SOOTRA:

Shree Anutarovvai Sutra is the 9th Aṅga Sutra.

In its 3 sections, there is a description of the 33 devotees who were born in the Anuttarviman (the topmost level in the havens “devlok”) in devgati (celestial beings).

Inspite of restraints, performing penances and religious practice (sadhana), the devotee who dies before annihilating all his karmas is reborn in the topmost part in the havens (Devlok). On completing the life span in heaven which has all types of luxuries, the soul is born as a human, whereby he observe austerities and  nullify all karmas and is liberated (becomes Siddha).

These celestial beings (devas) are called one birth beings.

In the 33 chapters of this Aagam, the religious practice (sadhana) performed by the 23 princes of King Shrenik and 10 sons of   merchants is expounded.

From these, the story of the ascetic Dhanna who performed intense penance and sadhana and was honored with the title of best ascetic by Bhagwan Mahavir forms the centre of attraction for the devotees.