Abhinav Jain Panchang - Book Summary

The provided text is an excerpt from the Abhinav Jain Panchang (New Jain Almanac) for the year Veer Samvat 2512 (1985-86), corresponding to Vikram Samvat 2042. It is published by Abhinav Shrut Prakashan and compiled by muni Shri Deepratnasagar (N.Com., M.Ed.).

Here's a comprehensive summary of the content, based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Philosophy:

The Panchang aims to guide the Chaturvidh Shri Sangh (the four-fold Jain community: monks, nuns, male and female lay followers) in their pursuit of virtue and spiritual well-being.
It emphasizes that a life without restraint is like that of an animal, and this Panchang is intended to help individuals attain eternal happiness through adherence to Jain practices.

Key Features and Content:

Daily Timings and Calculations:
- The core of the Panchang consists of daily tables for Veer Samvat 2512 (1985-86).
- For each day, it provides:
  - Sunrise (સુર્યોદય) and Sunset (સૂર્યાસ્ત) times.
  - Tithi (તિથિ): The lunar day.
  - Day of the week (વાર).
  - Choghadiya (ચોઘડિયા): Auspicious and inauspicious time periods within the day, categorized by:
    - Amrut (અમૃત): Auspicious.
    - Laabh (લાભ): Auspicious.
    - Shubh (શુભ): Auspicious.
    - Kaal (કાળ): Inauspicious.
    - Rog (રોગ): Inauspicious.
    - Udveg (ઉદ્વેગ): Inauspicious.
    - Chal (ચલ): Moderate.
  - Purim (પુરિમ): This likely refers to the time for morning prayers or rituals.
  - Parasi (પારસી) and Saparasi (સાપારસી): These terms, along with "Bhe ghadi" (બે ઘડી - two moments), suggest specific auspicious or ritualistic times in the evening, likely for observing certain vows or practices.
  - Kamaline Kal (કામળીને કાળ): This term's exact meaning in this context requires further Jainological interpretation, but it's presented as a specific time of day.
  - Karshi (કારશી): This likely refers to the evening meal or a specific time for breaking the fast.
- The detailed daily tables span across multiple pages, covering months from Ashwin (October) to Vaishakh (May) of the Gregorian calendar, indicating the lunar calendar progression within that period.
Jain Principles and Blessings:
- The text includes auspicious verses and invocations:
  - Navkar Mahamantra (નવકાર મહામંત્ર): "Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, Namo Ayariyanam, Namo Uvajjhayanam, Namo Loae Sabbasaahunam." (Salutations to the Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and all Sadhus).
  - The Panchindiya Sanvarana verse, praising the five senses control, ethical conduct, and the eighteen practices of a Jain monk.
  - The opening auspiciousness of the Navkar Mantra is highlighted as the first auspicious thing.
Significance of the Panchang:
- The preface emphasizes that this is the first time such detailed daily timings (including morning to evening, specific ritualistic times, and evening observation periods) are being published in this manner, making it a significant resource for the Jain community.
Author's Other Works and Publications:
- Page 4 highlights the other publications by Muni Shri Deepratnasagarji (M.Com., M.Ed.), a disciple of Poojya Munirajshri Sudhamsagarji M. Sa.:
  - Navkar Mahamantra Jap NoteBook: For tracking 'nine lakh' recitations.
  - Charitrapad Jap NoteBook: For tracking 'one crore' recitations with a focus on achieving 'Kshayik Charitra' (eradication of karmas).
  - Baravrat Pustika (Booklet of Twelve Vows): And other regulations, noted for its double-color printing and organized rules.
  - Abhinav Jain Panchang (for Samvat 2041): The previous year's edition.
  - Abhinav Laghuprakriya: A simplified grammar book in four parts for self-study of Sanskrit grammar, based on renowned Jain texts.
Calendar of Jain Festivals and Significant Dates:
- Several pages list important Jain observances and Kalyanakas (auspicious events) related to the Tirthankaras. For example:
  - Magshar Sud 5: Nutan Varshaarambh (New Year's beginning) of Veer Samvat 2512.
  - Magshar Sud 10: Mahavir Swami Diksha Kalyanak (Mahavir Swami's initiation).
  - Paush Sud 5: Jnanpanchami.
  - Paush Sud 11: Nyaavisha Yash Vijayji M. Sa.'s remembrance day.
  - Magshar Vad 9: Shri Parshvanath Janma Kalyanak (Parshvanath's birth anniversary).
  - Magshar Vad 11: Shri Parshvanath Diksha Kalyanak (Parshvanath's initiation).
  - Magshar Vad 10: Mahavir Swami Diksha Kalyanak.
  - Paush Vad 10: Mahavir Swami Diksha Kalyanak.
  - Magshar Sud 13: Kumuhurta Utarya.
  - Paush Sud 4: Kumuhurta Utarya.
  - Vaishakh Sud 3: Shri Rishabhdev Janma-Diksha Kalyanak.
  - Vaishakh Sud 7: Shri Rishabhdev Nirvana Kalyanak.
  - Chaitra Sud 7: Ayambil Oli Prarambh.
  - Chaitra Sud 11/12/14: Observances related to monks and nuns.
  - Chaitra Sud 13: Shri Mahavir Swami Janma Kalyanak.
  - Chaitra Sud 15: Siddhachal Yatra.
  - Vaishakh Sud 10: Shri Mahavir Swami Kevalgnan.
  - Vaishakh Sud 11: Shri Shanaanu Sthapana Din.
  - Jyeshtha Vad 8: Poojya Acharya Manikyasagar Suriji's death anniversary.
  - Jyeshtha Vad 15: Poojya Acharya Dev Sagarānandan Suriji's death anniversary.
  - Ashadh Sud 6: Aradhai Prarambh.
  - Ashadh Sud 14: Chaumasi Chaudash.
  - Shravan Sud 6: Aradhai Prarambh.
  - Shravan Sud 14: Chaumasi Chaudash.
  - Bhadrapad Sud 1: Shravan Vad 11: Shri Mahavir Swami Nirvana Kalyanak (Diwali festival).
  - Bhadrapad Sud 1: Shravan Vad 13: Shri Mahavir Swami Nirvana Kalyanak (Diwali festival).
  - Bhadrapad Sud 7: Sankhyayari.
  - Bhadrapad Sud 11: Jagadguru Shri Heer Suriji's death anniversary.
  - Bhadrapad Sud 14: Shri Samvatsari Maha Parva.
  - Bhadrapad Sud 1: Shri Mahavir Swami Janma Vachan.
  - Bhadrapad Vad 11: Ardhai Prarambh.
  - Bhadrapad Vad 14: Kaalichaudash.
  - Bhadrapad Vad 30: Shri Mahavir Swami Nirvana Kalyanak.
  - Ashvin Sud 6: Guru Poojya Acharya Dev Hemasagar Suriji's death anniversary.
  - Ashvin Sud 8: Ayambil Oli Prarambh.
  - Ashvin Vad 14: Shri Mahavir Swami Nirvana Kalyanak (Diwali festival).
  - Ashvin Vad 30: Shri Mahavir Swami Nirvana Kalyanak (Diwali festival).
Instructions for Performing Vows (Pachkhan):
- The latter pages provide detailed Gujarati instructions on how to perform and break various Jain vows (Pachkhan), including:
  - Prabhat na Pachkhan (Morning Vows): For various types of food and drink intake.
  - Paris / Saparis: Specific rules for evening consumption.
  - Aayambil, Nivvi, Ekasanu, Biyeasanu: Instructions for single-meal, fasting, and meal-sharing vows.
  - Tivihar Upavas (Three-day fast) and Chauvihar Upavas (Four-day fast): Including how to take and break these fasts.
  - Deshavagashik (Day-time restraint): Vows for limiting activities during the day.
  - Evening Pachkhan (Samjna no Pachkhan): For limiting food intake in the evening.
  - Musihie (silence during vows).
Astrology and Auspicious Times:
- The Panchang also includes information on:
  - Nakshtras (Stars): Identifying auspicious and inauspicious stars for certain activities.
  - Planetary Positions: Indicating the rise and setting of planets like Jupiter.
  - Auspicious days for various activities: Such as wearing new clothes or undertaking journeys.
  - Auspicious days for removing certain items (e.g., wearing new clothes on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, but never on Tuesday).

In essence, the Abhinav Jain Panchang is a comprehensive guide for the Jain community, meticulously detailing daily astronomical and astrological calculations alongside essential Jain practices, festivals, and vows, all presented within the framework of the Veer Samvat calendar.