Din Shuddhi Dipika - Book Summary

Summary of "Din Shuddhi Deepika" (Book of Auspicious Days)

"Din ShuddTheeka" (દિનશુદ્ધિ-દીપિકા), authored by Muni Darshanvijayji Maharaj and inspired by Muni Bhadrasenvijayji Maharaj, published by Charitra Smarak Samiti, Mumbai, is a comprehensive Jain text dedicated to the science of astrology and auspicious timing within the Jain tradition. The book, which has seen multiple editions, aims to provide guidance for determining auspicious days for various activities, ensuring spiritual and worldly well-being according to Jain principles.

The book is divided into two main sections: Vishwaprobha (વિશ્વપ્રભા) and Hastrekha Shastra (હસ્તરેખા શાસ્ત્ર - Palmistry).

I. Vishwaprobha (વિશ્વપ્રભા) - Jyotish Shastra (Astrology):

This extensive section delves into the principles of Jain astrology, drawing heavily from ancient Jain Agamas and later scholarly works. It meticulously explains various astronomical and astrological concepts crucial for determining auspicious times (muhurta) for life events and religious observances. Key aspects covered include:

Foundations of Astrology: The text begins by referencing the ancient Jain Agamas like Jabudweep Prajnapti, Suryaprajnapati, and Chandraprajnapati, which lay the groundwork for Jain cosmology and astrology. It highlights the inclusion of planetary calculations, Nakshatras (lunar mansions), Tithis (lunar days), Karanas, and Yogas as fundamental elements.
Time Measurement and Calculation: The book details various methods for calculating time, including the significance of days, horoscopes (hora), ghadi-pal (units of time), and the influence of planetary movements. It discusses the importance of identifying auspicious times for specific activities, emphasizing that even with auspicious timings, unfavorable planetary conjunctions (doshas) must be avoided.
Planetary Influences: It elaborates on the characteristics of planets, their mutual relationships (friendship, enmity), their movements, and their effects on individuals and events. The text also discusses concepts like planetary strength, debilitation, exaltation, and retrograde motion.
Auspicious Days and Times: A significant portion is dedicated to the principles of determining auspicious days for various occasions such as:
- Daily Life: Daily activities, travel, and business ventures.
- Religious Ceremonies: Installation of idols (Pratishtha), initiation ceremonies (Diksha), auspicious beginnings for temples, and other religious rituals.
- Life Events: Marriage Muhurtas are discussed in detail, considering various factors like planetary positions, Nakshatras, Tithis, and potential afflictions.
- Specific Recommendations: The text provides guidance on auspicious and inauspicious days for specific activities based on the lunar day (Tithi), day of the week (Var), Nakshatra, and planetary positions. It also highlights specific inauspicious combinations and their remedies.
Detailed Explanations of Astrological Concepts: The book meticulously covers topics like:
- Tithi Shuddhi: Purity of lunar days, including Nand, Bhadra, Jaya, Rikta, and Purna Tithis and their significance.
- Nakshatra Shuddhi: Purity of Nakshatras, their types (Mridu, Char, Tikshna, Ugra, etc.), their ruling deities, and their influences.
- Horoscope Analysis: Principles of Kundali (birth chart) analysis, including the significance of planetary positions in different houses and their impact on various aspects of life.
- Muhurta for Specific Activities: Detailed guidance on selecting auspicious times for various events like housewarming, starting a business, travel, and religious ceremonies.
- Doshas and Remedies: Identification of astrological afflictions (doshas) and suggestions for mitigating their negative effects.
- Specific Yogas: Explanation of auspicious planetary combinations (Yogas) like Kumar Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Amrit Siddhi Yoga, and their benefits.
- Shukrast (Venus's Combustion): The text addresses the astrological significance of Venus being combust (ast) and its implications for auspicious events like marriages.
- Panchang Shuddhi: The interrelation and importance of Tithi, Var, Nakshatra, Karana, and Yoga for overall auspiciousness.
- Various Tables and Charts: The book includes numerous tables and charts for calculations related to planetary positions, Nakshatras, Tithis, and other astrological factors, making the application of the principles more accessible.

II. Hastrekha Shastra (Palmistry):

This section, contributed by Shri Hasmukhbhai R. Zaveri, introduces the principles of palmistry. It explains how to interpret the lines and mounts on the hand to understand an individual's personality, health, fortune, and destiny. Key aspects include:

Hand Types: Classification of hands based on their shape (square, elementary, conical, etc.) and the characteristics associated with each type.
Palm Lines: Detailed explanation of major palm lines like the life line, head line, heart line, fate line, and their interpretations.
Mounts: Interpretation of the fleshy mounds on the palm (mounts of Jupiter, Saturn, Sun, Mercury, etc.) and their significance.
Hand Features: Analysis of fingernails, thumb shape, and other hand features and their influence on a person's life.
Combined Interpretation: The text emphasizes the importance of considering all aspects of the hand together for a comprehensive analysis, rather than relying on isolated features.

Overall Purpose and Significance:

"Din Shuddhi Deepika" is presented as a guide to living a righteous and auspicious life in accordance with Jain philosophy and astrological wisdom. The author, Muni Darshanvijayji, through the compilation and presentation of this vast knowledge, aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions, perform religious duties correctly, and navigate life's challenges with spiritual foresight and practical guidance. The text underscores the Jain belief that aligning one's actions with auspicious timings and cosmic influences contributes to spiritual progress and worldly well-being. The book is considered a valuable resource for Jain scholars, practitioners, and anyone interested in understanding the intricate relationship between time, cosmos, and human destiny from a Jain perspective.