Gandhar Hora - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Gandhar Hora" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Gandhar Hora Author: Shilchandrasuri (though the text itself is attributed to an unknown author, with commentary by Vijayshilchandra Suri) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229584/1

Overall Nature of the Text:

"Gandhar Hora" is a short Jain text focused on Jyotisha Shastra (astrology), specifically interpreting planetary configurations and their resulting omens and fortunes. It appears to be an ancient Prākṛta composition that has been preserved.

Introduction and Context (Page 1):

Discovery: The text was discovered in a manuscript repository during the Acharya Vijayshilchandra Suri's amevihar (a form of Jain monastic wandering). The copy is believed to be from the 15th century and written on palm-leaf-like material.
Name: The manuscript was titled "Gandhar Hora," which has been retained for this presented version. However, the first verse (gāthā) refers to the composition as "Hora Chandrayana," which is noted as significant.
Authorship: The text begins with salutations to Indrabhuti (Jambuswami, the first Gandhara) and then to Gautama (a disciple of Mahavira, though not a Gandhara in the strict sense). This clearly indicates its origin within a Jain tradition.
Content Focus: The text is explicitly related to astrological science, explaining how to understand the results based on the positions and configurations of celestial bodies (planets).
Ritualistic Element: An initial mantra is provided, followed by instructions for drawing three cow-urine-shaped lines. This is compared to the process of drawing horoscopes or astrological charts, suggesting a ritualistic or divinatory aspect.
Preservation Aim: The compiler's primary intention is to preserve this old Prākṛta composition before it is lost.

Key Concepts and Interpretations (Pages 2-4):

The core of the text consists of couplets that describe specific planetary arrangements and their associated outcomes. The numbers preceding some verses (e.g., (4), (5)) might refer to a system of categorization or indexing within the original manuscript. The planetary bodies mentioned are:

Chandra (Moon)
Angarak (Mars)
Sury (Sun)
Dharasut (Son of Earth - likely Mercury)
Bhanu (Sun)

The verses follow a pattern of describing the relative positions of these planets and then stating the predicted results. Here are some examples of the interpretations:

Verse 3 (4): Mentions the influence of Sun and Mars, and how their even or uneven relationships (visam, sam) lead to good or bad fortune.
Verse 4 (5): Describes configurations of planets:
- One Moon = Mṛtyu (death)
- Two Suns = Fortune
- Three Planets = This is described as "graha sanna" (planetary sign/omen) as designated by the Gandhara.
Verse 5 (6): If three Moons are seen in a particular configuration, it signifies famine, destruction, and sorrow.
Verse 6 (7): If the Sun rises before two Moons, it indicates happiness, peace of mind, and victory.
Verse 7 (8): If the Moon is positioned in front of two Moons, it brings profit and victory, as well as the union with a loved one.
Verse 8 (9): If the Sun appears twice before the "Dharanidhar" (likely a planetary or astrological term), it signifies wealth and victory.
Verse 9 (10): If the Sun, Moon, and Mercury appear in sequence, the desired work will be accomplished quickly.
Verse 10 (11): If the Moon is seen between two "Dharasutas" (Mercury), it leads to the accomplishment of tasks and profit, especially for women.
Verse 11 (12): If the Moon, Sun, and Mars appear in sequence, all suffering is removed, and well-being is attained.
Verse 12 (13): If the Moon is seen burning before Mars, it signifies the destruction of desired objects and futile efforts.
Verse 13 (14): If three Suns are adept at removing faults, it brings wealth, divine favor, and union with women.
Verse 14 (15): If the Moon is seen before two Suns, it clearly indicates prosperity and beautiful women.
Verse 15 (16): If the "Dharasuta" (Mercury) is placed between two Suns, it signifies the accomplishment of tasks and union with loved ones.
Verse 16 (17): If the Moon is seen in the midst of two Suns, a woman will be obtained, and happiness and union will occur.
Verse 17 (18): If the Sun, Mars, and Moon are arranged sequentially, it brings positional gain, wealth, and happy union.
Verse 18 (19): If two Moons are seen positioned in front, it indicates victory and special profit.
Verse 19 (20): If the "Bhumisuta" (Mars) is in the midst of two Moons, it signifies pleasant fortune and union with loved ones.
Verse 20 (21): If two Mangalas (auspicious things/planets) are seen before the Moon, it leads to royal displeasure, a guru's conflict, great fear, and harshness.
Verse 21 (22): If the Moon, Mars, and Sun are arranged sequentially, the Guru's (teacher's) suffering is removed, and well-being follows later.
Verse 22 (23): If the Sun's disk is seen in the midst of the Moon and Mars, it signifies great profit, elephants, and union with loved ones.
Verse 23 (24): If the Moon, Sun, and Mars are seen together, it signifies well-being, fame, and easy victory over enemies.
Verse 24 (25): If three Mars are seen positioned and shining before the Sun, it leads to affliction, conflict, great fear, and death.
Verse 26 (232): If the Moon is somehow seen at the feet of two Mars, it leads to distress, loss, and change of place.
Verse 27 (133): If the Moon is positioned at the feet of two Suns, it signifies good harvest, happiness, and abundant wealth.
Verse 28 (46): If the Sun, Moon, and Mars are arranged sequentially, it indicates the trouble of karma, loss for bipeds and quadrupeds.
Verse 29 (312): If the "Kasavitana" (likely referring to Venus or another celestial body/configuration) is seen before two Suns, it indicates vocalization, regaining position, and honor.
Verse 30 (332): If the Sun is definitively seen before two Mars, it signifies liberation from ignorance, and union with wise and good people.
Verse 31 (223): If two Mars are seen before the Sun, it causes loss of happiness, fear of the king, and great suffering from the Guru.
Verse 32 (322): (The verse is incomplete in the provided text).

Conclusion:

"Gandhar Hora" appears to be a practical guide, likely used for divination or astrological consultation within a Jain context. It provides a system for interpreting simple celestial patterns into prognostications concerning wealth, happiness, conflict, and well-being. Its preservation by Acharya Vijayshilchandra Suri highlights its value as an ancient Jain astrological text.