Agam 18 Upang 07 Jambudveep Pragnapti Sutra Part 03 Sthanakvasi - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Agam 18 Upang 07 Jambudveep Pragnapti Sutra Part 03 Sthanakvasi," based on the text provided:

Book Title: Agam 18 Upang 07 Jambudveep Pragnapti Sutra Part 03 Sthanakvasi Author: P.P. Acharya Shri Ghanshilalji Maharaj Publisher: Akhil Bharat Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Shastroddhara Samiti, Ahmedabad

This multi-part text, specifically focusing on "Part 03," delves into the cosmological and astronomical details of the Jain universe, particularly concerning the Jambudveepa, a central continent in Jain cosmology. The provided pages primarily focus on the Seventh Vaksahkara (Saptam Vakshkar), which deals with the Jyotishka Adhikara (Chapter on Celestial Beings), specifically the movements and characteristics of the Sun and Moon, along with constellations.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and information presented in the provided pages:

1. Invocation and Title:

The text begins with the traditional Jain invocation: "Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, Namo Aayariyanam, Namo Uvajhayananam, Namo Loye Savva Sadhunam. Esho Panch Namukkaro Savva Pavappanasano Mangalanan Ch Savvesim Padhamam Havai Mangalam." (Salutations to the Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and all the Sadhus in the universe. This five-fold salutation destroys all sins and is the foremost auspicious thing among all auspicious things.)
The title is clearly stated as "Shri Jambudveepa Prajñapti Sutram (Tritiyo Bhagaḥ)," indicating it is the third part of the Jambudveepa Prajñapti Sutra.
It mentions the commentary by Jainacharya, Jain Dharmadivakar, Pujya Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj, and the translation into Hindi and Gujarati languages.

2. Introduction to the Seventh Vaksahkara (Saptam Vaksara):

The text explicitly states the commencement of the seventh Vaksahkara, which deals with the Jyotishka Devas (Celestial Beings) who reside in the Jambudveepa.
The initial focus is on the Jyatishka Adhikara, specifically questioning the number of Chandra (Moons), Surya (Suns), Nakshatra (Stars/Constellations), Mahagraha (Major Planets), and Taragana (Star Groups).

3. Enumeration of Celestial Bodies:

The sutra (verse) introduces a question about the past, present, and future numbers of these celestial bodies.
The answer, given to Gautam Swami by Lord Mahavir, provides specific numbers:
- Chandra (Moons): Two.
- Surya (Suns): Two.
- Nakshatra (Constellations): Fifty-six.
- Mahagraha (Major Planets): Seventy-six (176).
- Taragana (Star Groups): One lakh thirty-three thousand nine hundred and fifty (1,33,950).

4. Detailed Explanation of Sun (Surya) Mandaala:

The text then transitions into a detailed description of the Surya Mandala (Solar Circles/Orbits), outlining 15 Anuyoga Dwaras (Points of Discussion/Inquiry) related to them. These include:
- Number of Mandalas.
- Mandal Kshetra (Area of the Mandala).
- Mandala Antar (Distance between Mandalas).
- Bimba Ayama Viskambha (Size and Diameter of the Celestial Body).
- Parikshepa (Circumference).
- Bahalyena (Height/Thickness).
- Abadha (Clearance/Distance between celestial bodies).
- Ayama Vriddhi Hani (Increase and Decrease in Size).
- Muhurta Gati (Movement per Muhurta).
- Dina Ratri Vriddhi Hani (Increase and Decrease in Day/Night).
- Tapakshetra Samsthana (Shape and Formation of the Heat Zone).
- Dur-Asannadi Darshana (Perception of Distance/Proximity).
- Chara Kshetra (Area of Movement).
- Kriya Prasna (Question about Action/Movement).
- Urdhvaadi Dikshu Prakasha Yojan Sankhya (Number of Light Yojanas in Upward/Downward Directions).
- Manushya Kshetra Pati Jyotishka Swaroopa (Nature of Jyotishka Devas in Human Realm).
- Indra-Adhibhava Sthiti Prakalpa (Arrangement of Status in Indra's presence).
The text then begins to detail the Mandal Sankhya (Number of Mandalas) for the Sun, stating that there are 184 (184) Solar Mandalas in total, with 65 in Jambudveepa and 119 in the Lavan Samudra (Salt Sea).
Specific details about the distance (Abadha) between the innermost and outermost solar mandalas (150 yojanas) and between adjacent solar mandalas (2 yojanas) are provided.
The dimensions (Ayama, Viskambha, Parikshepa, Bahalyena) of a solar mandala are given: 48/61 of a yojana for Ayama and Viskambha, triple that for Parikshepa, and 24/61 of a yojana for Bahalyena.

5. Detailed Explanation of Moon (Chandra) Mandaala:

Following the Sun, the text introduces the Chandra Mandala (Lunar Circles/Orbits).
It specifies the number of lunar mandalas, stating there are 15 (15) in total, with 5 in Jambudveepa and 10 in Lavan Samudra.
The distance (Abadha) between the innermost and outermost lunar mandalas is given as 150 yojanas, and between adjacent lunar mandalas as 35 yojanas (with fractional parts).
The dimensions (Ayama, Viskambha, Parikshepa, Bahalyena) of a lunar mandala are provided: 56/61 of a yojana for Ayama and Viskambha, triple that for Parikshepa, and 28/61 of a yojana for Bahalyena.

6. Principles of Study (Svādhyāya Niyam):

A significant portion of the initial pages (pages 6-10) is dedicated to outlining the strict rules and prohibitions (Aswadhyaya Prasanga) for studying these sutras. These include:
- Timing: First and fourth quarters of day and night are recommended for study of the original text.
- Prohibited Times: Specific periods during dawn, dusk, midday, and midnight are to be avoided.
- Personal Circumstances: Women experiencing monthly periods are not to study or be present during study.
- Environmental Factors: Numerous external phenomena are listed as reasons for suspending study, categorized into:
  - Akasha Sambandhi (Sky-related): Meteor showers (Ulkapat), directional burning (Digdaha), loud thunder (Garjarav), severe lightning (Nirghata), lightning flashes (Vidyut), specific twilight conditions (Yapak), lightning-like flashes (Yakshadipta), smoke-like fog (Dhumika Krishn), white fog (Mahika Shwet), and dust storms (Rajodghat).
  - Audharika Sharira Sambandhi (Physical Body-related): Visibility of burnt bones/flesh/blood, broken eggs, excrement/urine, proximity to cremation grounds (Smashan), lunar and solar eclipses (Chandragrahan, Suryagrahan), royal disturbances (Rajavyagrata), death of important figures (Patan), and the presence of dead bodies (Audharika Sharira).
- Festivals and Specific Days: Four major festivals (Mahotsav) and their following days (Pratipada) are mentioned, totaling eight days of prohibited study.
- Respect and Guidance: The importance of respecting elders and gurus, and following their guidance during such times is emphasized.

7. Detailed Breakdown of Subsequent Topics (Index):

Page 11 and 12 provide an index (Anukramanika) of the third part, listing the topics covered in detail:
- Seventh Vaksahkara (Satvaṁ Vakṣkāraḥ).
- Chandra Suryadi Graha Visheshon ki Sankhya (Number of Moons, Suns, and other celestial bodies).
- Surya Mandal ka Nirupan (Description of Solar Mandalas).
- Meru Mandal ki Abadha Dwar (Abadha between Meru and Mandalas).
- Mandala ki Ayama Vriddhi Hani (Increase/Decrease in Mandala Size).
- Muhurta Gati (Movement per Muhurta).
- Dina Ratri Vriddhi Hani (Increase/Decrease in Day/Night).
- Kshetra ka Nirupan (Description of Area).
- Dur-asanna Dwar (Topic of Distance/Proximity).
- Prakarantar se Tapakshetra ka Nirupan (Description of Heat Zone by Type).
- Indra ke Chyavan ka Dwar (Chapter on Indra's Descent).
- Chandramandal ki Sankhya (Number of Lunar Mandalas).
- Prathamadi Mandala ki Abadha (Abadha of First and Subsequent Mandalas).
- Sarva-Abhyantara Mandala ki Ayamaadi (Ayama, etc., of the Innermost Mandala).
- Nakshatra Adhikar (Chapter on Nakshatras).
- Surya ke Udayastaman (Sun's Rising and Setting).
- Samvatsaron ke Bhed (Types of Years).
- Ek Samvatsara mein Maan Sankhya (Measurement within one Year).
- Karanon ki Sankhyaadi (Number of Karanas, etc.).
- Samvatsara ki Adi ka Kathana (Beginning of the Year).
- Nakshatra Adhikar (Chapter on Nakshatras).
- Nakshatra ke Devataon ka Nirupan (Description of Nakshatra Deities).
- Nakshatron ke Gotra ka Kathana (Saying of Nakshatra Gotras).
- Chandra Surya ke Yoga Dwar (Topic of Moon and Sun's Conjunction).
- Nakshatron ke Kula Dwar (Topic of Nakshatra Clans).
- Mas Parisamapaka Nakshatra ka Nirupan (Description of Mas-completing Nakshatras).
- Solah Dwaron ke Vishayaartha Sangraha (Summary of 16 Topics).
- Chandra Suryadi ke Tara Viman (Tara Viman of Moons, Suns, etc.).
- Nakshatron ki Gati ka Nirupan (Description of Nakshatra Movement).
- Chandra Surya ke Viman Vahak Devo ki Sankhya (Number of Devotees carrying Moon and Sun's Viman).
- Grahaadi ke Sheegra Gatyadi ka Nirupan (Description of Planets' Fast Movement, etc.).
- Chandra ke Agra Mahishi ke Namaadi (Name of Moon's chief consort).
- Chandra Suryadi ke Alpa Bahutva ka Nirupan (Description of Moon and Sun's less/more quantity).
- Jambudveepa ke Ayamaadi ka Nirupan (Description of Jambudveepa's Ayama, etc.).
- Jambudveepa is Prakara ke Nama Kahane ka Karan ka Nirupan (Reason for naming Jambudveepa).

8. Specific Sutras and Their Explanations: The pages then proceed to detail specific sutras (verses) related to the above topics, providing the original text (Mul), its translation (Chhaya), and a detailed commentary (Prakashika Teeka). The initial sutras focus on:

Sutra 1: Enumeration of celestial bodies.
Sutra 2: Description of Solar Mandalas, their number, size, and relationships.
Sutra 3: Description of Lunar Mandalas, their number, size, and relationships, including details about the distance between them.
Sutra 4: Details about the increase and decrease in the size of mandalas and the concept of "Aswadhyaya" (times when study is prohibited).
Sutra 5: Discussion on "Muhurta Gati" (movement per Muhurta) for the Sun and the perception of its movement.
Sutra 6: Explanation of the increase and decrease in day and night lengths for the Sun.
Sutra 7: Description of the "Tapakshetra" (heat zone) and its shape, including the concept of "Andhakara Samsthana" (shape of darkness).
Sutra 8: Discussion on the perceived distance of the Sun (Dur-Asanna) and its actions.
Sutra 9: Detailed explanation of various "Anuyoga Dwaras" related to celestial bodies, including the concept of "Kula," "Upakula," and "Kulopkula" for Nakshatras, and their relationship with Poornima and Amavasya.
Sutra 10: Discusses the concept of "Indra Chyavana" (Indra's descent) and the rules for replacement, along with the rules for determining the beginning of a new year.
Sutra 11: Details the number, dimensions, and relationships of Lunar Mandalas.
Sutra 12: Elaborates on the Abadha (distance) between Lunar Mandalas and their dimensions, similar to the Solar Mandalas.
Sutra 13: Continues the discussion on Lunar Mandalas, focusing on their dimensions and distances.
Sutra 14: Explains the "Muhurta Gati" (movement per Muhurta) of the Moon and its visibility based on distance.
Sutra 15: Introduces the chapter on Nakshatra Adhikara (Chapter on Constellations), enumerating 28 Nakshatras, their classification into Kula, Upakula, and Kulopkula, their associated deities, and the number of stars in their formation. It also details the specific days of Poornima and Amavasya associated with certain Nakshatras.
Sutra 16: Discusses the rising and setting of the Sun and the interplay of day and night lengths in relation to the Meru mountain and different directions, along with the concept of a "Yuga" (cycle) and its correlation with seasonal changes and the Sun's movement.
Sutra 17: Elaborates on the five types of Samvatsaras (Years) in Jain cosmology: Nakshatra Samvatsara, Yuga Samvatsara, Pramana Samvatsara, Lakshana Samvatsara, and Shanaishchara Samvatsara, detailing their characteristics.
Sutra 18: Focuses on the types of "Karana" (a division of time), their classification into "Chara" (movable) and "Sthira" (fixed), and their association with specific lunar days and times (day/night).
Sutra 19: Continues the discussion on Karana, providing specific details about their occurrence during different phases of the moon.
Sutra 20: Introduces the concept of "Yoga" in relation to Nakshatras, their association with deities, and the number of stars within them. It discusses Nakshatra clans (Gotra) and their formations.
Sutra 21: Further elaborates on the "Yoga" (conjunction) of Nakshatras with the Moon, detailing which Nakshatras are associated with the Moon's southern, northern, and combined movements, and their associated figures.
Sutra 22: Discusses the "Devata" (deities) associated with each Nakshatra and provides the "Tara" (star) count for each.
Sutra 23: Explains the "Kula," "Upakula," and "Kulopkula" classification of Nakshatras and their association with specific lunar phases like Poornima and Amavasya.
Sutra 24: Discusses the calculation of "Muhurta Gati" (movement per Muhurta) for the Moon and its relationship with its dimensions and the overall Yuga structure.
Sutra 25: Continues the discussion on the "Kula," "Upakula," and "Kulopkula" classification of Nakshatras, detailing their specific associations with Poornima and Amavasya.

Overall Significance: This part of the Jambudveepa Prajñapti Sutra, as elaborated by Ghasilal Maharaj, provides a highly detailed and systematic account of the Jain cosmology, with a strong emphasis on the celestial realm. It aims to educate the reader on the intricate workings of the cosmos, the movements of celestial bodies, and the underlying principles governing these phenomena within the Jain philosophical framework. The meticulous detail, including specific measurements and astronomical cycles, highlights the advanced understanding of astronomy present in ancient Jain texts.

Note: The text itself is in Prakrit and Gujarati, with Hindi and Gujarati translations provided. The summary is based on the content as presented and translated.