Agam 17 Chandpannatti Uvangsutt 06 Moolam

This Jain text, identified as "Agam 17 Chandpannatti Uvangsutt 06 Moolam" by Dipratnasagar and Deepratnasagar, published by Agam Shrut Prakashan, is a profound exploration of Jain cosmological and astronomical principles, primarily focusing on the celestial movements and characteristics of the sun and moon.

The text is structured into multiple "Pahuda" (sections), each delving into specific aspects of these celestial bodies. It meticulously details:

I. Celestial Mechanics and Movements:

• Solar and Lunar Cycles: The text elaborates on the sun's and moon's paths, their orbits within different celestial spheres or "mandals," and the varying lengths of days and nights throughout the year. It quantifies these movements with precise numerical data, including the number of "mandals" traversed, the duration of these movements, and the resulting shifts in day and night hours.
• Solar and Lunar Paths: Detailed descriptions are provided for the sun's and moon's journeys through various semi-circular paths ("ardhamandala"), differentiating between southern and northern trajectories. The text also explains the concept of "chinn" (marks or signs) followed by the suns as they traverse their paths, noting instances where they follow their own marks versus those of others.
• Celestial Interactions and Distances: The text quantifies the distances between the suns and other celestial bodies, as well as the distances between different circular paths. It also describes the interactions and alignments of celestial bodies, such as the sun following the moon or vice-versa.
• Factors Influencing Day and Night: The text explains how the sun's position and movement through different celestial spheres influence the length of day and night, and how these durations vary based on the specific hemisphere and the sun's trajectory.

II. Characteristics of Celestial Bodies:

• Sun and Moon's Presence and Influence: The text discusses the extent to which the sun and moon illuminate and influence different parts of the world, including islands and oceans. It also delves into the varying degrees of light and darkness.
• Celestial Body Shapes and Dimensions: Descriptions are given for the shapes and dimensions of celestial bodies, including their breadth, length, width, and circumference, often comparing them to earthly objects for better understanding.
• Sun's Speed and "Paurishi Chhaya": The text quantifies the sun's speed in covering different distances and discusses the concept of "paurishi chhaya" (shadows cast at different times of the day). It explains how this speed and shadow length vary based on the sun's position and movement.
• Sun's "Lessa" (Attributes/Qualities): The text speculates on the "lessa" or attributes of the sun, linking them to geographical locations on mountains like Meru and Mandara.
• Sun's "Ovasamsthiti" (State of Being/Condition): The text explores the concept of the sun's "ovasamssthiti," which refers to its state of existence or condition, and how it changes over time.
• Sun's Movement and Variations: The text discusses the sun's speed and its variations throughout the year, including instances of faster and slower movements.
• Celestial Body Luminosity and Visibility: The text describes how the sun and moon illuminate, radiate, and are visible in different parts of the cosmos, and how this visibility is affected by various factors.
• "Nakshatra Sandhiti" (Constellation Arrangements): The text details the specific shapes and arrangements of constellations, comparing them to various earthly objects and structures.
• "Taraga" (Stars) and their Properties: The text mentions stars and their classification, providing specific numerical details about their counts and arrangements.
• "Netra" (Eyes/Guides) and their Function: The text refers to "netra" as guides for celestial movements, detailing how they influence the paths of the sun and moon.
• "Sannipata" (Conjunctions/Interactions): The text describes "sannipata" as a concept related to the movements and interactions of celestial bodies.
• "Chanda-Suriya Yog" (Sun-Moon Conjunctions): The text details the conjunctions of the sun and moon with different constellations and the resulting time periods.
• "Kula" (Lineages/Groups) and "Upakula" (Sub-groups) of Nakshatras: The text categorizes constellations into various "kulas" and "upakulas," specifying which constellations belong to which groups.
• "Purnimasi" (Full Moon) and "Amavasya" (New Moon) Dates and Associated Nakshatras: The text meticulously outlines the full moon and new moon dates, linking them to specific constellations and their groupings. It also discusses the interplay of "kula," "upakula," and "kulopkula" with these lunar phases.
• "Sandhi" (Transitions) and "Samavaya" (Convergences): The text discusses transitional periods and convergences related to celestial events.
• "Graha Parivara" (Planetary Retinues): The text describes the retinue of planets surrounding the moon and sun, specifying the number of attendant planets, constellations, and stars.
• "Chandra Mandalas" and "Surya Mandalas" (Lunar and Solar Spheres): The text details the number and characteristics of lunar and solar spheres, their relationships with constellations and planets, and how they interact with the sun.
• "Devata Adhyayana" (Study of Deities): The text associates specific deities with constellations, describing their roles and influences.
• "Muhurta Namadheya" (Names of Muhurtas): The text lists the names of various "muhurtas" (time units) and their significance.
• "Dina Namadheya" and "Ratri Namadheya" (Names of Days and Nights): The text provides names for days and nights within lunar fortnights and discusses their cyclical nature.
• "Tithi" (Lunar Days): The text details the "tithis" (lunar days) and their classification as day-tithis and night-tithis.
• "Goatra" (Clan/Lineage) of Nakshatras: The text provides the "gotras" associated with different constellations.
• "Bhojana" (Food/Diet) of Deities: The text describes the specific foods or offerings associated with the deities of constellations.
• "Chara" (Movement/Paths): The text discusses the movements or paths of celestial bodies, including "Aditya Chara" (sun's movement) and "Chandra Chara" (moon's movement).
• "Anubhava" (Experience/Essence): The text touches upon the concept of "anubhava" in relation to celestial bodies.
• "Chayana Upavata" (Cessation of Paths): The text mentions "chayana upavata," which might refer to the cessation or alteration of celestial paths.
• "Veshesh Nama Anukramo" (Special Names Index): This section appears to be an index of specific names used within the text.
• "Gathanukramo" (Gatha Index): This section serves as an index for the "gathas" (verses or couplets) within the text.

III. Cosmological Framework:

• Jambudvipa: The text frequently refers to Jambudvipa, a significant continent in Jain cosmology, as a reference point for celestial measurements and movements.
• Meru and Mandara Mountains: These sacred mountains in Jain cosmology are often referenced in relation to the celestial bodies' positions and influences.
• Lavan Samudra and other Oceans: The text mentions various oceans, like Lavan Samudra, as geographical markers within the cosmic framework.

IV. Underlying Principles and Structure:

• Numerical Precision: The text is characterized by its highly precise numerical data, quantifying distances, speeds, durations, and counts related to celestial phenomena.
• Hierarchical Classification: The text exhibits a tendency to classify celestial bodies and phenomena into hierarchical groups and sub-groups.
• Comparative Analysis: It often compares celestial phenomena to earthly objects and concepts to aid comprehension.
• Detailed Explanations: The text provides detailed, step-by-step explanations of complex astronomical concepts.

In essence, this text is a comprehensive astronomical treatise within the Jain tradition, offering a detailed, numerically driven, and often allegorical description of the cosmos, with a particular focus on the sun and moon, their movements, characteristics, and their intricate relationship with the celestial framework of Jambudvipa and its surrounding environments. The extensive indexing at the end suggests a systematic approach to organizing this vast amount of information for future study and reference.