Cintamani Sarnika Of Dasabala

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text, focusing on the introduction and the beginning of the "Cintamani Sarnika of Dasabala" by Dharmanand Kosambi:

Book Title: Cintamani Sarnika Of Dasabala Author: Dasabala Editor/Translator: Dharmanand Kosambi

Overall Purpose: This document is an introduction to and partial publication of the "Cintamani Sarnika" (also referred to as "Cintamani-sāraṇikā") by Dasabala, a work on Indian astronomy. Dharmanand Kosambi is presenting a critical edition of this text, based on manuscript research.

Key Findings and Context from the Introduction:

• Dating and Historical Context:

  • The work is dated to Śaka 977 (1055 A.D.) based on the calculations within the text.
  • This dating places the author, Dasabala, during the reign of King Bhoja Paramāra of Dhārā, a significant figure in classical Sanskrit literature.
  • The introduction discusses historical events around this period, particularly the late reign of Bhoja, which was reportedly disrupted by an invasion from Karna Kalacuri and Bhima Solanki. The timing of these events, especially the potential sack of Dhārā, is analyzed in relation to the date of grants made by Bhoja's successor, Jayasimha.

• Author Identification and Religious Affiliation:

  • The author, Dasabala, is identified as a Buddhist. This is inferred from his self-description (e.g., "mahākarunikabodhisattva") and the phrase "samsmṛtya sauddhodanim" (remembering the son of Suddhodana, i.e., Buddha).
  • However, the text also shows influences beyond purely ascetic Buddhism, with a dedication to Sarada (a Hindu goddess) and a style that might have accommodated local worship practices. This suggests a possible syncretism or adaptation to the cultural milieu.

• Manuscript History and Editorial Process:

  • The work was first cataloged by Theodor Aufrecht in 1864.
  • Two primary manuscripts were used for this edition: one from the Rājāpūr Pāțhaśālā (older, dated Śaka 1558/1596 A.D.) and one from the Bodleian Library in Oxford (dated Śaka 1596/1596 A.D.).
  • Both manuscripts are described as corrupt and having common errors, suggesting a shared distant source.
  • Kosambi notes the textual challenges, including scribal errors (Gujarati scribes are mentioned), lacunae, and worn sections.
  • The edition was produced with the assistance of Prof. Dr. V. V. Gokhale.
  • A commentary by Mahadeva, son of Acyuta Lūņiga, also exists, composed in Śaka 1180. This commentator is identified as Gujarati, and his work is noted for not adding new details about Dasabala or mentioning his Buddhist affiliation.

• The "Cintamani Sarnika":

  • The title is interpreted as "the sāraṇikā (table/manual) named Cintāmaņi (wish-fulfilling jewel)."
  • The work is a manual for astronomical calculations, focusing on determining tithis (lunar days), nakshatras (stars), yogas (planetary conjunctions), and other calendaric elements.
  • Kosambi points out that Dasabala's calculation methods, while practical, were not theoretically groundbreaking and could not match the tradition of the Sūryasiddhānta.
  • The text contains detailed tables and methods for these calculations, employing coded numbers (often using Sanskrit words for digits).

• Comparison with Other Works:

  • Another work by Dasabala, the Karanakamala-mārtanda (KKM), is mentioned as following the Brahmasiddhānta and having similarities with Bhoja's Rājamsgānka-karaṇa. The KKM is dated Śaka 980.
  • Kosambi disputes the conclusion that Dasabala was a king of the Valabhi dynasty, suggesting "Valabhānvaya" might simply mean descent from a prominent citizen of Valabhi.

Content of the Published Sections (Pages 7-21):

The text of the "Cintamani Sarnika" itself begins, structured into several chapters (Prakaraṇa):

1. Tithi Prakaraṇa (Chapter on Tithis): This section outlines the methods for calculating lunar days. It details numerical values associated with tithis, nakshatras, and yogas, presented in coded forms. The process involves complex calculations using specific constants and adjustments for regional differences and time.
2. Nakshatra Prakaraṇa (Chapter on Nakshatras): This chapter focuses on the calculation of asterisms. It follows a similar pattern to the Tithi section, providing coded numbers and calculation methods.
3. Yoga Prakaraṇa (Chapter on Yogas): This section details the calculation of astronomical conjunctions (Yogas), again using coded numerical systems and specific procedural steps.
4. Prakīrṇa Prakaraṇa (Miscellaneous Chapter): This chapter seems to cover various other related astronomical calculations, possibly including intercalary months (adhilasa), planetary movements, and adjustments for different astronomical phenomena.
5. Sankranti-Ānayana (Determination of Sankrantis): This section deals with the calculation of solar transitions into zodiacal signs.
6. Samvatsara-Ānayana (Determination of Years): This chapter likely discusses the calculation or enumeration of years, including the names of the 60-year cycle (Samvatsaras).

Concluding Remarks in the Introduction:

Kosambi expresses gratitude for assistance and highlights the value of Dasabala's work as a practical astronomical manual, despite its theoretical limitations. He concludes with verses expressing the enduring relevance of his work and his hope that it will benefit scholars and the public.

In essence, the document is a scholarly presentation of a historical astronomical text, providing context, critical analysis of the manuscripts, and the initial sections of the work itself, which lay out complex calculation methods for traditional Indian astronomy.