Agam 16 Upang 05 Surya Pragnapti Sutra Shwetambar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, the "Surya Pragnapti Sutra," an Upanga of the Agamas, as found in the Shwetambar tradition, edited by Purnachandrasagar and published by Jainanand Pustakalay.

Title: Agam 16, Upang 05: Surya Pragnapti Sutra Tradition: Shwetambar Author(s): Purnachandrasagar (editor/compiler) Publisher: Jainanand Pustakalay Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/021018/1

Overall Purpose and Content:

The Surya Pragnapti Sutra is an astronomical treatise within Jain scripture, focusing on the movements, characteristics, and influences of celestial bodies, primarily the sun and moon. It delves into detailed calculations and descriptions related to their paths, positions, cycles, and their impact on time, seasons, and the visible world. The text aims to provide a Jain perspective on cosmology and astronomical phenomena, integral to understanding Jain philosophy and practice.

Key Themes and Sections:

The provided pages offer insights into the following:

1. Historical Context and Transmission of Agamas (Pages 6-11):

   • Importance of Shrut Gyan (Scriptural Knowledge): The text begins by emphasizing the immense value of scriptural knowledge, which guides beings out of the mire of ignorance. Agamas are considered the direct words of Lord Mahavir Swami.
   • Compilation of Agamas: It outlines the history of the compilation of the twelve Angas (Dwadashangi) and fourteen Purvas, highlighting the oral tradition and the necessity of compiling them due to adverse times and famines.
   • The Six Agam Vacanas (Recitations/Compilations): The text details the six significant recitations or compilations of the Agamas that took place over a period of 1000 years after Lord Mahavir's Nirvana. These were necessitated by events like prolonged droughts, political turmoil, and the potential loss of scriptural knowledge. Each recitation aimed to preserve, systematize, and protect the Agamic tradition.
   • The Role of Acharyas: It stresses the crucial role of eminent Acharyas (spiritual preceptors) in these compilations and in preserving the Jain scriptures.
   • Modern Revival: The text highlights the efforts of modern Jain scholars and Acharyas, particularly those associated with the "Sagar" tradition, in rediscovering, editing, and publishing these ancient texts, ensuring their availability for future generations.

2. Astronomical Details (Pages 12-117):

   • Questions about Celestial Bodies: The sutra begins with a series of questions posed by Lord Mahavir Swami (as narrated through Gautam Swami) regarding the celestial bodies. These questions cover aspects like:
     • The number of celestial circles or orbits (Mandals).
     • Their directional movements (Tirycha).
     • Their illumination and extent of light (Ovabhas).
     • Their sizes and configurations (Sansthiti).
     • The classification and positions of celestial bodies (Oyasnithii).
     • The paths and elevations of the sun and moon (Udayasansthiti).
     • The measurement of shadows (Porisi Chhaya).
     • The astronomical implications of their movements (Yog).
     • The calculation of years and cycles (Samvatsaradi).
     • The waxing and waning of the moon and sun (Chandramas Vruddhi).
     • The characteristics of their movements and signs (Dosinalakshana).
     • The process of descent and ascent (Chayanopavata).
     • The number and types of suns and moons (Surya Kathi Ahaathiya).
     • The measure of their influences (Anubhav).
   • Detailed Calculations and Measurements: The subsequent sections provide elaborate details and calculations concerning:
     • Mandals (Orbits/Circles): The number of orbits, their relative positions (inner and outer), and the sun's movement through them.
     • Day and Night Lengths: Calculations of the duration of day and night, and how they vary throughout the year due to the sun's position in different orbits.
     • Half-Mandals (Ardhamandala): Descriptions of the southern and northern half-orbits, and the sun's movement between them.
     • Sun's Trajectory: The sun's path through different parts of the celestial sphere, including its engagement with specific quadrants of the orbits.
     • Sun's Speed and Distance: Discussions on how fast the sun travels, its distance from earth, and how these factors influence its appearance.
     • Types of Suns and Moons: Mentions of different types of suns (e.g., Bharata Surya, Airavata Surya) and moons.
     • Interactions: The concept of suns and moons interacting and influencing each other's paths.
     • Celestial Territories: The areas illuminated by the sun and moon, and their respective reaches.
     • Shapes of Celestial Bodies: Descriptions of the shapes of celestial bodies and their orbits (e.g., round, elliptical, umbrella-shaped).
     • Measurements: Detailed measurements of dimensions, circumferences, and thicknesses of celestial bodies and their orbits in yojanas.
     • Stars and Constellations (Nakshatras): Their positions, durations, shapes, and connections with specific deities.
     • Lunar and Solar Cycles: Calculations related to months, days, and the interplay between the sun, moon, and constellations.
     • Lunar Phases: The waxing and waning of the moon, and the concept of Amavasya (new moon) and Purnima (full moon).
     • Seasons and Months: The correlation of celestial movements with different seasons and months of the year.
     • Deities Associated with Celestial Bodies: The divine beings governing the sun, moon, and constellations.
     • Names of Days and Nights: Specific names assigned to days and nights within lunar cycles.
     • Yugas and Kalpas: The broader concept of cosmic cycles.
     • Relative Speeds: Comparisons of the speeds of the sun, moon, planets, and stars.
     • Life Spans of Celestial Beings: Information about the lifespans of deities residing in celestial vehicles.
     • Rahu and Ketu: The scriptural explanation for eclipses, attributing them to specific celestial beings (Rahu and Ketu) that obscure the sun and moon, rather than astronomical conjunctions in the modern sense.
     • Height and Distance: Information on the altitudes and distances of celestial bodies.
     • Shadows (Chhaya): Calculations and explanations of shadows cast by celestial bodies and their variations.
     • Lustre/Aura (Lesya): The concept of celestial bodies having an aura and its interaction with other celestial bodies.
     • Eclipses: The Jain cosmological explanation of Rahu obscuring the sun and moon.
     • Conjunctions and Positions: Detailed descriptions of how the moon and sun align with various constellations and their respective positions.
     • Types of Celestial Vehicles (Vimanas): Descriptions of the celestial vehicles of the sun, moon, planets, and stars.

Editorial and Publishing Notes:

• The text is presented as a revised and edited edition by Acharya Shri Kailashsagarsuri Gyanmandir, with Purnachandrasagar being a key figure in the compilation and editing.
• The publication is attributed to the Jain Mudrit Granth Scanning Project, supported by the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra.
• The preface highlights the dedication and blessings of various esteemed Jain monks and scholars involved in this endeavor, emphasizing the effort to preserve and disseminate ancient Jain knowledge.

Significance:

The Surya Pragnapti Sutra is a vital text for understanding the Jain cosmological framework. It showcases the advanced astronomical knowledge possessed by ancient Jain scholars, which, while rooted in a spiritual and philosophical context, includes detailed observations and calculations that were remarkable for their time. It underscores the Jain emphasis on understanding the universe as a means to spiritual liberation.