Adhik Mas Nirnay

This Jain text, "Adhik Mas Nirnay" (Decision on the Adhik Mas or Intercalary Month) by Shantivijay, addresses a theological and calendrical debate within the Jain Shvetambar community regarding the inclusion of an extra month (Adhik Maas) in the Jain calendar and its impact on religious observances.

The central argument revolves around whether the "Adhik Maas" should be counted in determining the timing of significant Jain festivals and observances such as Chaturmas (the four-month rainy season retreat), Varsa (annual observances), and Kalyāṇika (auspicious events like births and deaths of Tirthankaras).

Key Points and Arguments Presented:

• Nature of Adhik Maas: The author, referencing Jain scriptures, likens the Adhik Maas to the "choti" (topknot or crown) of the "Kaal Purush" (cosmic man). Just as the choti is not measured in the overall measurement of a person's body, the Adhik Maas is argued to be excluded from the counting of Chaturmas, Varsa, and Kalyāṇika observances.
• Exclusion from Observances: The book explicitly states that Adhik Maas should not be counted when observing events like marriages, diksha (initiation), pratishtha (consecration ceremonies), or important festivals like Paryushan.
• Sectarian Debates: The text highlights a dispute with the Khartargachchh, Anchalgachchh, and Lonkagachchh traditions. These traditions, it is argued, sometimes acknowledge the existence of two Ashadh months but do not count the first Ashadh in their Chaturmas. Similarly, when there are two Paush months, they count the Tirthankara Parshvanath's birth Kalyāṇika in only one Paush. The author contends that this selective exclusion of one month in certain contexts is inconsistent with their stance on including the Adhik Maas in the counting of other observances.
• Scriptural Interpretations: The author criticizes the interpretation that the Adhik Maas should be counted based on the Kalpasutra's reference to a 50-day period for certain observances. They counter this by referring to the Samvayanga Sutra, which mentions a 70-day period after Samvatsari (annual confession). The argument is that if these specific scriptural references are selectively applied, it leads to inconsistencies.
• Rejection of Other Sects' Arguments: The text directly addresses arguments made by Munishri Manisagarji of the Khartargachchh, refuting their claims and interpretations of various Jain scriptures like Chandraprajnaapti, Suryaprajnaapti, Jambudvipa Prajnaapti, Bhagavati, Anuyogadvara, Nishitha Churni, Vrihatkalpa Churni, Pravachana Saroddhara, and Jyotishkarandak. The author maintains that while these scriptures mention the "Abhivardhita Samvatsara" (an increased year with 13 months), they do not explicitly state that the Adhik Maas should be counted for Chaturmas, Varsa, or Kalyāṇika.
• Calendar Discrepancies and Other Religions: The author notes that the current debate arose partly due to the alignment of the Jain calendar with calendars of other religions, leading to two Bhadrapada months in a particular year according to secular almanacs. The core issue is the adherence to Jain astrological principles versus secular ones.
• Call for Debate and Clarity: The author expresses a desire for clear, reasoned debate based on Jain scriptures. They emphasize that personal attacks are unproductive and that disagreements should be addressed through scholarly discourse.
• Upholding Jain Principles: The author identifies themselves as a member of the Tapagachchh and feels it is their duty to respond to critiques and uphold the principles of their tradition. They advocate for adhering to the teachings of Jain scholars and Tirthankaras.
• Practical Implications: The text highlights that if the Adhik Maas is incorrectly included in counting, it can lead to festivals being observed at the wrong time, potentially causing confusion and misinterpretations of religious duties.
• On the nature of debate: The author stresses the importance of responding to questions and criticisms with scriptural evidence rather than resorting to personal attacks. They encourage respectful dialogue and intellectual engagement.

In essence, "Adhik Mas Nirnay" serves as a defense of the Tapagachchh's view on calendrical calculations within Jainism, particularly concerning the Adhik Maas. It aims to clarify the correct application of Jain scriptures to determine the timing of religious observances and refute opposing interpretations prevalent at the time of its writing. The book encourages readers to study the scriptures and arrive at their own informed conclusions.