Bhasvati - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhasvati" by Shatanand Marchata, based on the provided pages:

Title: Bhasvati (भास्वती) Author: Shatanand Marchata (शतानंद मारछता) Publisher: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series Office Language: Primarily Sanskrit, with a Hindi/Sanskrit commentary named "Chhatrabodhini" (छात्रबोधिनी). Publication Year: 1917 (as indicated on page 9 and 11). Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/009873/1

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Bhasvati" is a foundational text in Jain Jyotisha (astrology and astronomy). It is a treatise that details the principles and calculations required to construct a Panchang (पञ्चाङ्ग), which is an almanac used for determining auspicious times for religious and secular activities. The text focuses heavily on astronomical calculations, particularly those related to planetary positions, eclipses, and timekeeping. The commentary "Chhatrabodhini" by Matriprasad Pandey aims to make these complex calculations accessible, especially for students.

Key Sections and Topics Covered:

The text is structured into several major chapters, each addressing specific astronomical and astrological concepts:

Tithyadi Dhruva Adhikar (तिथ्यादिध्रुवाधिकार - Chapter on Lunar Days, etc., and Fixed Points): This chapter lays the groundwork for astronomical calculations. It covers:
- Era Calculations: Methods to determine the year of creation (Saptarshi), Kali Yuga, Vikram Samvat, and Shalivahana Shaka from the current date.
- Solar and Lunar Calculations: Techniques for calculating the positions of the Sun and Moon (Dhruba - fixed points), including their intermediate and precise positions.
- Planetary Calculations: Detailed methods for calculating the mean and apparent positions of planets like Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu. This includes calculating their speed, retrograde motion, and heliacal rising and setting.
- Veeja and Deshantara: Explains the concepts of "Veeja" (correction for observational errors or planetary motion variations) and "Deshantara" (correction for geographical longitude differences) and how to apply them to calculations.
- Shukra Uchcha (Venus's Apogee): Calculation related to Venus's highest point of motion.
- Shani Madhya (Mean Saturn): Methods for calculating Saturn's mean position.
- Panchtara (Five Planets): Detailed calculation for Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn's positions, including their apogees and stations.
Graha Dhruva Adhikar (ग्रहध्रुवाधिकार - Chapter on Planetary Fixed Points): This chapter delves deeper into planetary calculations, focusing on:
- Yearly and Monthly Lords: Determining the presiding lords of the year and month based on astronomical calculations.
- Calculating Planetary Positions (Dhruba): Detailed methods for calculating the mean positions of all planets, including the complex calculations for Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn, and Rahu and Ketu.
- Veeja and Deshantara Applications: Further elaboration on applying these corrections to planetary calculations.
- Ayanamsa: Calculating the precessional correction.
- Chara (Declination): Calculating the celestial declination.
- Nata and Valana: Concepts related to the inclination and deflection of celestial bodies.
- Sankranti (Zodiacal Transits): Methods for calculating the precise times when the Sun transits from one zodiacal sign to another.
- Adhimasa and Kshaya Masa: Explaining the intercalation of extra lunar months (Adhimasa) and the omission of lunar months (Kshaya Masa) in the lunisolar calendar.
Panchanga Spashta Adhikar (पञ्चाङ्गस्पष्टाधिकार - Chapter on Panchang Clarity): This chapter focuses on the practical application of astronomical data to construct a Panchang:
- Dinagana (Day Count): Methods for calculating the number of days elapsed since a reference point.
- Solar and Lunar Positions: Precise calculation of the Sun's and Moon's positions (Spashta) for a given day.
- Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana: Calculating the precise timings of lunar days (Tithi), lunar mansions (Nakshatra), astrological conjunctions (Yoga), and lunar days divisions (Karana).
- Panchang Creation: A summarized method for creating a Panchang based on the preceding calculations.
- Dainya and Bala: Calculations related to the strength and status of planets.
- Ayanamsa and Chara Calculations: Detailed methods for calculating these important corrections.
- Sun and Moon's Positions: Methods for determining their precise positions in the sky.
- Solar and Lunar Eclipses: Calculations related to the timings and phenomena of eclipses.
- Parilekha: Methods for graphically representing celestial phenomena.
Chandra Grahan Adhikar (चन्द्रग्रहणाधिकार - Chapter on Lunar Eclipses): This chapter focuses specifically on the calculation of lunar eclipses, covering:
- Rahu's Position and Shadow: Calculating Rahu's position and the shadow cast during an eclipse.
- Calculating Moon's Magnitude and Grip: Determining the extent of the Moon's coverage by the Earth's shadow.
- Timings of Contact and Obscuration: Calculating the start, middle, and end times of the eclipse.
- Shadow Measurement: Methods for quantifying the shadow's impact.
- Nata and Valana: Further details on the inclination and deflection for eclipse calculations.
Surya Grahan Adhikar (सूर्यग्रहणाधिकार - Chapter on Solar Eclipses): This chapter covers the calculations for solar eclipses, including:
- Lunar Parallax and Refraction Corrections: Applying corrections for the apparent shift in position due to the observer's location and atmospheric effects.
- Calculating Eclipse Magnitude and Contact Times: Determining the extent of the Sun's coverage by the Moon's shadow and the timings of the eclipse phases.
- Shadow Cone Calculations: Understanding the geometry of the Moon's shadow cone.
- Parilekha: Graphical representation of solar eclipses.
Parilekha Adhikar (परिलेखाधिकार - Chapter on Graphical Representation): This final chapter likely describes methods for visually representing celestial events, potentially using diagrams or charts to illustrate eclipse phenomena and planetary movements.

Key Features and Contributions:

Systematic Approach: "Bhasvati" presents a systematic and detailed method for astronomical calculations, rooted in the principles of Surya Siddhanta.
Accessibility through Commentary: The "Chhatrabodhini" commentary by Matriprasad Pandey is crucial for making the complex Sanskrit text understandable to a wider audience, particularly students of astrology.
Practical Application: The text is designed to be practical, enabling users to construct accurate Panchangs and predict celestial events.
Historical Significance: It represents an important work in the lineage of Indian astronomical texts and demonstrates the continued study and development of Jyotisha in Jain tradition.
Compilation of Existing Knowledge: The text likely synthesizes and organizes existing astronomical knowledge, making it a valuable resource.

Sponsorship and Revival:

The provided pages indicate that this particular edition of "Bhasvati" is part of a project to revive and republish ancient and rare Jain texts ("Aho Shrutgyanam Granth Jirnoddhar"). The project was supported by various Jain scholars, institutions, and individuals dedicated to preserving and disseminating Jain knowledge.

In essence, "Bhasvati" is a comprehensive astronomical treatise essential for Jain astrological practice, offering detailed methodologies for calculating celestial events and constructing Panchangs, made accessible through its valuable commentary.