Chandra Pragnapati Ka Paryavekshan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Chandra Pragnapati ka Paryavekshan" by Kanhaiyalal Maharaj, in English:

This document is an analysis and overview of the Jain Agamas known as Chandra Pragnapti and Surya Pragnapti, collectively referred to as Jyotishganraj Pragnapti. The author, Kanhaiyalal Maharaj, aims to provide an introduction and examination of these texts, highlighting their structure, content, and significance within Jainism.

Key Points and Themes:

• Shared Nature: The author emphasizes that Chandra Pragnapti and Surya Pragnapti are largely identical except for minor differences. Understanding one effectively provides an introduction to the other.
• Original Name: The original, combined name was likely Chandra-Suryapragnaapti. It was later divided into two separate texts.
• Structure: Each Pragnapti (treatise) contains twenty Prabhrutas (sections), and each Prabhruta has 108 Sutras (aphorisms). However, the author notes that some Prabhrutas (specifically 3rd to 9th, and 11th to 20th) do not contain the term "Prabhruta-Prabhruta," while only the 1st, 2nd, and 10th do.
• Content Outline: The author proposes a categorized subject index for both texts:
  • Chandra Pragnapti: Detailed nature of the Moon, its conjunction with the Sun, planets, constellations, and stars.
  • Surya Pragnapti: Detailed nature of the Sun, its conjunction with the Moon, planets, constellations, and stars.
  • The Sutras within the texts cover combined Moon-Sun relationships, combinations with planets, constellations, and stars, as well as individual discussions on planets, constellations, and stars. They also deal with various aspects of time, including days, years, and relative time.
• Authorship and Compilation:
  • The exact compiler of Jyotishganraj Pragnapti is unknown.
  • While some attribute the texts to Ganadharas, the author suggests that the introductory verses indicate a request from Indrabhuti Gautama to Lord Mahavir regarding Jyotishganraj Pragnapti.
  • The compiler is referred to as having "carved out" (utkeertan) this Bhagvati Jyotish-Raj-Pragnapti.
• Compilation Period: The compilation period is estimated to be between Lord Mahavir and the time of the commentator Acarya Malayagiri, who mentioned that the Niyukti (commentary) by Acarya Bhadrabahu for Surya Pragnapti was lost.
• Independent Creation: The author argues that Chandra Pragnapti and Surya Pragnapti are independent and uniquely compiled works, evidenced by the presence of "Ta" at the beginning of each Sutra and the absence of the common "Bhante!" and "Goyama!" used in other Angas and Upangas.
• Divisions and Titles: The reason for the division of Jyotishganraj Pragnapti into two Upangas (Chandra and Surya) and the lack of their names in the introduction/conclusion are points for research. The author posits that Chandra Pragnapti is the sixth and Surya Pragnapti the seventh Upanga in the current order.
• Challenges and Criticisms:
  • The author points out that the subject matter is not systematically classified, and if it were, it would benefit researchers.
  • There's an inconsistency in the first Prabhruta of Chandra Pragnapti and Surya Pragnapti, where the introductory verse suggests the topic is the Sun's movement in solar orbits, but the first Sutra deals with the loss and gain of Muhurtas.
  • The author notes a contradiction between the constellation sequence in Chandra-Surya Pragnapti (Abhijit to Uttara Ashadha) and that in Sthananga (a primary Anga), which has implications for the authenticity of the latter.
  • A significant point of concern is the presence of dietary regulations, including meat consumption, in the texts, particularly in relation to constellations. The author explains this might be due to the original texts being interpreted differently or some terms being misconstrued as meat. Efforts by some to reinterpret these as vegetarian are mentioned.
• Significance of 'Prabhruta': The term 'Prabhruta' is explained as offering a rare, beneficial, and pleasing object suitable for the time and recipient. In this context, it refers to presenting profound and rare texts for study to deserving disciples.
• Nature of Mathematics: Mathematics in Jainism is categorized. While Ganitanuyoga is considered Samyakshrut (right knowledge), mathematics used for attachment or worldly pursuits is termed Mithyashrut (false knowledge). The mathematics in these astronomical texts is considered Samyakshrut as it relates to understanding the universe and does not inherently lead to worldly attachments.
• Comparative Study: The author encourages comparative studies with other astronomical texts like Brihad Daivagnya Ranjan and Muhurta Martanda to understand the similarities and differences in astronomical concepts.
• Jain Astronomy vs. Modern Science: The text highlights the deeply interconnected nature of astronomy with Jaina philosophy, ethics, and cosmology. Celestial bodies are seen as sentient beings with families and specific functions, influencing human destiny.
• Purpose of the Text: The author's goal is to encourage systematic study and research on Chandra Pragnapti and Surya Pragnapti, urging scholars to provide scholarly editions, identify sources for quoted passages, and clarify potential confusions, especially regarding the dietary regulations.

In essence, Kanhaiyalal Maharaj's work provides a critical and detailed analysis of the Chandra Pragnapti and Surya Pragnapti, aiming to illuminate their structure, content, historical context, and scholarly challenges, while advocating for a deeper and more accurate understanding of these vital Jain astronomical texts.