Agam 17 Chandrapragnapti Sutra Hindi Anuwad

Added to library: September 1, 2025

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First page of Agam 17 Chandrapragnapti Sutra Hindi Anuwad

Summary

The provided text is a Hindi translation of the Jain Agama Sutra 17, known as the Chandrapragnapti Sutra, translated and edited by Muni Diperatnasagarji. This sutra is the sixth Upangasutra and deals with astronomical calculations, primarily focusing on the movements and characteristics of the Sun and Moon.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the content, organized by the structure presented in the text:

Overall Scope and Significance:

  • The Chandrapragnapti Sutra is a foundational text in Jain cosmology and astronomy, providing detailed explanations of celestial bodies, their movements, and related calculations.
  • It is presented as the sixth Upangasutra, indicating its importance within the larger Jain canon.
  • The translation is intended for educational and personal use, emphasizing its accessibility.

Key Themes and Content (Organized by Sutras/Prabhritas):

The sutra is divided into numerous "Prabhritas" (sections) and "Prabhritaprabhritas" (sub-sections) covering a wide range of astronomical topics. While a detailed breakdown of every single sutra is extensive, the main themes covered are:

1. Introduction and Salutations (Page 1):

  • The text begins with salutations to the Arhats and spiritual teachers, particularly Pujya Shri Anand-Kshama-Lalit-Sushil-Sudharmasagar.
  • It introduces itself as Agama 17, Chandrapragnapti Sutra, with a Hindi translation by Muni Diperatnasagarji, a scholar with multiple degrees and titles.

2. Structure and Classification (Pages 2-4):

  • Table of Contents (Page 2): Lists the 20 Prabhritas within the Chandrapragnapti Sutra, indicating the progression of topics.
  • Agam Vargikaran (Agam Classification) (Page 3): Places the Chandrapragnapti Sutra within the broader classification of Jain Agamas, identifying it as Upangasutra-6. It also lists other significant Agamas and their classifications, providing context for its place in Jain literature.
  • Published Literature of Muni Diperatnasagarji (Page 4): This section is a bibliography of Muni Diperatnasagarji's published works, categorizing them into Agama Literature (original and translated), other literature, analysis literature, commentary literature, lexicon literature, and sequence literature. It highlights his extensive contribution to Jain studies.

3. Astronomical Details (Main Body of the Text - Pages 5-48):

The core of the text elaborates on celestial mechanics:

  • Solar Movement and Time (Prabhrita 1, Sutras 10-11, 14-27):

    • Solar Orbits and Mandalas: Describes the Sun's movement through 184 mandalas (orbital paths).
    • Day and Night Lengths: Explains how the Sun's position in different mandalas affects the duration of day and night, with detailed calculations for seasonal variations and their causes.
    • Half-Mandala Configuration: Discusses the Sun's movement in both southern and northern half-mandals and the impact on day/night lengths.
    • Indian and Airavatīya Suns: Differentiates between two sets of suns (Indian and Airavatīya) and their respective orbits and interactions.
    • Inter-Solar Distance: Details the varying distances between these suns based on their positions.
    • Island-Ocean Distances: Explains how the Sun's movement relates to island and ocean boundaries.
    • Daily Movement (Vikampan): Quantifies the Sun's movement in yojana per day and night, with detailed calculations for its path through different mandalas.
    • Solar Paths and Illumination: Describes how the Sun illuminates different parts of the universe.
    • Temple-like Structure of Mandalas: Discusses the formation and structure of these celestial paths.
    • Dimensions of Mandalas: Provides dimensions (width, length, circumference) for various mandalas.
    • Solar Rays and Heat Zones: Explains the extent and nature of the Sun's rays and heated areas.
  • Celestial Bodies and their Properties (Prabhrita 2-10):

    • Tilting Motion (Tiryak Gati): Describes the various ways celestial bodies appear to move across the sky.
    • Movement from One Mandala to Another: Explains the transition of celestial bodies between orbital paths.
    • Hourly Movement: Details the distance covered by celestial bodies in a specific time unit (muhurta).
    • Light and Heat Zones: Elaborates on the extent of light and heat generated by celestial bodies.
    • Influence of Mountains: Discusses the role of mountains in celestial phenomena.
    • Appearance and Structure: Describes the shapes and forms of celestial bodies and their vehicles.
    • Number of Deities: Mentions the number of deities associated with solar and lunar vehicles.
    • Their Status: Describes the spiritual and material status of these celestial beings.
    • Daily Movements: Explains the daily journeys of celestial bodies.
    • Seasons and Years: Details the start of seasons and the concept of years.
    • Naked Eye Observations: Discusses what can be observed with the naked eye.
    • Union of Nakshatras: Explains the conjunctions of constellations with the Moon and Sun.
    • Lunar and Solar Months: Defines the start and end of lunar and solar months.
    • Full Moons and New Moons: Details the specific constellations associated with full moons and new moons.
    • Nakshtra Forms: Describes the visual shapes of different constellations.
    • Number of Stars: Lists the number of stars visible in each constellation.
    • Nakshatra Leaders: Identifies the primary celestial bodies associated with constellations.
    • Lunar Path: Details the Moon's trajectory.
    • Deities of Nakshatras: Lists the ruling deities for each constellation.
    • Names of Muhurtas: Provides a list of the different named muhurtas within a day.
    • Names of Days and Nights: Lists the names for specific days and nights within a fortnight.
    • Tithis (Lunar Days): Explains the two types of Tithis (day and night).
    • Gotras of Nakshatras: Specifies the lineage or "Gotra" associated with each constellation.
    • Dietary Habits of Nakshatras: A unique section describing the "food" or characteristic associated with each constellation.
    • Motion Types: Differentiates between various modes of motion for celestial bodies.
    • Names of Months: Lists both the common (Laukik) and esoteric (Lokottar) names for months.
    • Types of Years: Defines five types of years: Nakshatra, Yuga, Pramana, Lakshana, and Shanaishchara.
    • Nakshtra Orientation: Classifies constellations based on their directional orientation (East-facing, South-facing, etc.).
    • Celestial Body Families: Describes the arrangement and interaction of Sun, Moon, planets, constellations, and stars.
    • Number of Celestial Bodies: Quantifies the number of celestial bodies in different cosmic regions (Jambudvipa, Lavana sea, etc.).
    • Dimensions of Celestial Bodies and their Paths: Provides measurements for the celestial bodies and their orbits.
    • Solar and Lunar Eclipse: Explains the mechanics of eclipses, involving the role of Rahu.
    • Causes of Phases (Waxing/Waning): Details how the Moon's light appears to change.
    • Speed of Celestial Bodies: Compares the speeds of the Moon, Sun, planets, constellations, and stars.
    • Duration of Celestial Bodies in Mandalas: Explains how long each celestial body stays within a specific orbital path.
    • Cause of Light and Darkness: Relates the brightness and darkness to the positions and movements of celestial bodies.
    • Meaning of "Shashi" and "Aditya": Explains the etymology and significance of the names for the Moon and Sun.
    • Celestial Beings and Their Lives: Discusses the lifespan and experiences of celestial beings.
    • Function of Rahu: Elaborates on Rahu's role in eclipses and its visual appearance.
    • The "Ten Yoga" Configurations: Describes ten specific astronomical conjunctions or yogas.
    • The "Five Samvatsara" Systems: Details five different calendrical systems.
    • The "Five Annual Cycles" (Dviparshva-Samvatsara): Explains the cyclical nature of years.
    • The "Ten Seasonal Cycles" (Ritu-Chakra): Discusses the progression of seasons.
    • The "Ten Auspicious Conjunctions": Mentions ten auspicious celestial alignments.
    • The "Ascent and Descent" of Celestial Bodies: Explains their movements relative to each other.
    • The "Causes of Happiness and Sorrow": Links celestial movements to human fortunes.
    • The "Illumination Path": Describes the paths illuminated by celestial bodies.
    • The "Shape of the Moon's Path": Details the specific shapes of the Moon's trajectory.
    • The "Increase and Decrease" of the Moon: Explains the lunar phases.
    • The "Cause of Lunar Brightness": Discusses how the Moon becomes bright or dim.
    • The "Role of Rahu": Explains Rahu's involvement in lunar eclipses and its appearance.
    • The "Names of Celestial Bodies": Provides the specific names and classifications for various celestial bodies.
    • The "Number of Celestial Bodies in Different Worlds": Quantifies the celestial bodies in various cosmic realms.
    • The "Number of Celestial Bodies in Different Seas and Islands": Details the celestial bodies in various geographical divisions of the universe.
    • The "Cosmic Structure": Describes the layered structure of the universe with its islands and oceans.

4. Key Astronomical Concepts:

  • Mandala: Orbital paths of celestial bodies.
  • Yojana: A unit of distance.
  • Muhurta: A unit of time (approximately 48 minutes).
  • Nakshatra: Constellations or lunar mansions.
  • Tithi: Lunar days.
  • Ayana: Solstice or the Sun's six-month journey.
  • Samvatsara: Year.
  • Prakriti: Nature or fundamental essence.
  • Leshya: Subtle color or spiritual energy associated with substances.
  • Paurushi Chhaya: A specific measurement of shadow.
  • Rahu: A celestial entity associated with eclipses.
  • Udaya-Asta: Sunrise and sunset.
  • Shukla Paksha & Krishna Paksha: The waxing and waning phases of the Moon.

5. Warnings and Guidelines for Dissemination (Page 51):

  • The text concludes with specific instructions on how to share this knowledge.
  • It advises against imparting this knowledge to the proud, ignorant, arrogant, or those with opposing views.
  • It emphasizes sharing it with those who are simple, knowledgeable, and possess faith, patience, enthusiasm, and strength.
  • It warns against sharing it with those who are excommunicated, lacking in knowledge or discipline, or disrespectful to the teachings of the Arihants, Ganadharas, and elders.

In essence, the Chandrapragnapti Sutra, as translated, is a detailed cosmological treatise that maps out the celestial mechanics of the Jain universe, focusing on the Sun and Moon, their movements, their influence on time and seasons, and the intricate calculations involved in understanding their cosmic journey. The translation by Muni Diperatnasagarji makes this complex knowledge accessible, while also emphasizing the ethical considerations for its transmission.