Bruhat Sangrahani Yantroddhar - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bruhat Sangrahani Yantroddhar" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Bruhat Sangrahani Yantroddhar (Collection of Various Diagrams related to Bruhat Sangrahani) Author(s): Jinshasan Aradhana Trust (Publisher) Key Figures:

Gurniji Labhashriji: Initiator and inspiration for preparing the diagrams.
Shastri Jethalal Haribhai: Compiler of the diagrams through immense effort.
Acharyadev Shrimad Vijay Hemchandrasuriji Maharaj: Guiding inspiration for the trust's work of reprinting ancient scriptures.
Kunvarji Aanandji (Bhavnagar): Previous editor and publisher who revised and published the original book.

Overall Purpose:

The "Bruhat Sangrahani Yantroddhar" is a collection of diagrams (yantras) specifically compiled to aid in understanding the complex astronomical, cosmological, and demographic details presented in the Jain text "Bruhat Sangrahani." It was originally published about 68 years prior to the current reprint and is now being reissued by the Jinshasan Aradhana Trust to preserve and disseminate this valuable spiritual heritage.

Key Content and Themes:

The book is a highly detailed and technical compilation of approximately 41 diagrams covering a vast range of Jain cosmology, the heavens, hells, and inhabitants. The primary goal of these diagrams is to visually represent numerical data and relationships that are crucial for comprehending the structure of the universe as described in Jainism.

Specific Areas Covered by the Diagrams:

Celestial Bodies and their Movements:
- Sun and Moon: Extensive diagrams (Pages 10-19) detail the mansions (mandals) of the Sun and Moon, including their diameters, circumferences, and the speed (muhurt gati) at which they complete these cycles. It explains how their movements, distances between mansions, and relative positions are calculated.
- Jyotishi Devas (Celestial Beings): Diagrams illustrate the lifespan (utkrushta-jaghanya ayu - excellent and minimum lifespan) of celestial beings like Sun, Moon, planets, stars, and constellations (Pages 10-11).
- Distances between Stars: A diagram (Page 16) shows the distances between stars within the human realm (manushya kshetra).
Levels of Existence and Their Inhabitants:
- Devas (Celestial Beings):
  - Bhavanpati, Vyantar, and Vanavyantar Devas: Diagrams detail their lifespan, the names of their 10 (Bhavanpati) and 8 (Vyantar) Nikayas (classes), their respective Indras (kings), their insignia, colors, and the number of their chief consorts (agra-maheshis) (Pages 10-13).
  - Vaimanik Devas (Deities of the Upper Heavens): The diagrams systematically list the lifespan of deities in each of the 12 heavens and the 9 Graiveyak and 5 Anuttar Vimanas, showing how lifespan increases progressively upwards (Pages 14-15).
  - Details of Heavenly Realms: Diagrams illustrate the proportions of celestial vehicles (viman), the number of different types of vimanas, and specific details about the Devis (goddesses) in the lower heavens (Sadharm and Ishan) (Pages 13, 27-29, 31-32).
- Naraka Devas (Hell-dwelling Beings):
  - The Seven Hells: Extensive diagrams (Pages 17-25, 27-44) meticulously detail the structure of each of the seven hells (Ratnaprabha to Tamastamaprabha). This includes their names, the number of Narakaavasas (dwelling places) in each direction (disha-vidisha) across different tiers (pratar), and the physical measurements of the hells themselves, including their dimensions and the density of the cosmic matter.
Cosmological Measurements and Populations:
- Jambudvipa and other Islands/Oceans: Diagrams illustrate the names and dimensions of the 16 islands (dvipa) and the oceans (samudra) that make up the Jain cosmological structure (Page 17).
- Number of Celestial Beings and Entities: Diagrams provide numerical data on the number of Indras, their consorts, various types of celestial beings, and the number of eternal shrines (shashvat chaitya) and idol-images (jinabimba) in the three realms (Pages 27, 47-50).
- Lifespan and Physical Attributes: The text details the lifespan (ayu) and physical proportions (sharir praman) of various celestial beings, correlating them with the duration of their lifespan in sagaropamas (Pages 14-15, 33-35).
Other Significant Diagrams:
- Karma and Its Influence: A diagram (Page 31) explains how the six types of "sanghayana" (bone structure/physical disposition) influence the movement of beings across different realms.
- Knowledge and Capabilities: Diagrams illustrate the extent of Omniscient knowledge (avadhi-jnana) possessed by beings in different realms (Page 36) and the stages of spiritual attainment (labdhi prapti) for hell-dwellers.
- The 24 Tirthankaras and their Pillars: A diagram (Page 25) seems to indicate a connection to the 24 Tirthankaras and the "24 dandakas" (categories of existence or principles).
- The 24 Doors: A diagram (Page 25) represents the "24 doors" related to the 24 Tirthankaras, likely detailing their teachings or the paths to liberation.
- Eternal Shrines and Jinabimbas: Diagrams provide counts of eternal shrines and idol-images in the three realms (Pages 25, 47-50).
- Number of Siddhas: A diagram (Page 41) indicates the maximum number of liberated souls (Siddhas) who can attain liberation simultaneously, categorized by the type of soul (stri-veda, napunsak-veda, etc.) and their karmic past.
- Tiryan Gati (Animal Realm) Details: Diagrams cover the lifespan (ayu) and physical stature (avagahana) of various types of beings in the animal realm (Pages 52-53).
- Time Calculations: A brief mention of time units like Ksha, Kshana, Muhurta, Prahara, Divas, Paksha, etc., appears on page 53.

Significance of the "Yantroddhar":

The "Yantroddhar" is presented as a crucial tool for understanding the profound and intricate details of Jain cosmology and philosophy. The diagrams translate abstract concepts and vast numbers into a more accessible visual format, making the study of texts like "Bruhat Sangrahani" more manageable and insightful. The Jinshasan Aradhana Trust emphasizes its commitment to preserving such ancient scriptural knowledge for the benefit of the Jain community and spiritual seekers. The preface highlights the effort involved in preparing these diagrams and acknowledges the previous contributors, underscoring the importance of cherishing this spiritual legacy.