Hirkalash Jain Jyotish - Book Summary

Certainly! Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Hirkalash Jain Jyotish" by Himmatram Mahashankar Jani, based on the provided catalog link and the text itself.

The book "Hirkalash Jain Jyotish" is a comprehensive treatise on Jain astrology, authored by Himmatram Mahashankar Jani and published by Kunvarji Hirji Naliya. The title itself, "Hirkalash Jain Jyotish," suggests a work that compiles astrological knowledge within a Jain framework, potentially referencing "Hirak Das" or a similar lineage associated with wisdom or brilliance. The text is written in Old Gujarati and demonstrates significant poetic skill, often incorporating Sanskrit verses and technical astrological terms.

The book is structured into seven main chapters (called "Dwar" or "Doors"), covering fundamental aspects of astrology:

I. Tithi Prakaran (Chapter on Lunar Days): This section delves into the intricacies of tithis (lunar days), discussing their characteristics, auspiciousness, and inauspiciousness. It covers concepts like:

Tithi's Authority: The significance and power of tithis in astrological calculations.
Types of Tithis: Discussing various categories like Nanda, Bhadra, Jaya, Rikta, and Purna tithis, along with their auspicious and inauspicious effects.
Kshaya and Vriddhi Tithis: Days when tithis are lost or gained, and their implications.
Dagdha Tithis: Lunar days considered burnt or inauspicious due to specific planetary positions, often linked to Sun's transit through certain rashis.
Gala Graha Tithis: Specific tithis deemed problematic for certain activities.
Bhadra Dosha: Doshas associated with Bhadra tithi and remedies for them.
Karanas: Discussing the different types of Karanas (half-tithis) and their influence, along with the concept of "Bhadra" within them.
Vara (Days): The chapter also touches upon the significance of days of the week in relation to tithis and their effects.

II. Vara Prakaran (Chapter on Days of the Week): This chapter focuses on the days of the week, their ruling planets, and their influence on various activities. It discusses:

Significance of Days: How each day, ruled by a specific planet (Surya for Sunday, Soma for Monday, etc.), impacts events.
Day's Activity: Which activities are auspicious on which days (e.g., Sunday for meeting royalty, Wednesday for business, Thursday for marriages, Saturday for initiations).
Choghadiya (Time Divisions): It elaborates on the auspicious and inauspicious time divisions within each day known as Choghadiyas, for both day and night, and how to interpret them for various tasks.
Shadow Calculation (Chhaya Lagna): A method to determine an auspicious time based on the shadow's length.
Abhijit Muhurta: Discusses the auspiciousness of the Abhijit muhurta.

III. Nakshatra Prakaran (Chapter on Lunar Mansions): This section provides an in-depth exploration of the 27 (or sometimes 28, including Abhijit) Nakshatras (lunar mansions):

Number and Types of Stars: Discussing the celestial bodies associated with each nakshatra and their classification (e.g., Urva-mukh, Adho-mukh, Tiryak-mukh).
Nakshatra-Rashi Relationship: How nakshatras are associated with specific rashis (zodiac signs).
Nakshatra Friends and Enemies: Discussing the relationships between nakshatras, which influences compatibility.
Gana (Classifications): Categorizing nakshatras into Deva, Manushya, and Rakshasa ganas and their implications.
Nakshatra Doshas: Detailing various inauspicious yogas formed by combinations of tithis, nakshatras, and Vargas (divisions of a sign), such as Vyathat, Vyadhata, Vam Gatigati, and others, along with their remedial measures.
Nakshatra-based Predictions: The text also touches upon the influence of nakshatras on personality and destiny.

IV. Graha Prakaran (Chapter on Planets): This chapter focuses on the planets (Grahas) and their influence:

Planetary Periods: Discussing the duration each planet stays in a particular rashi (e.g., Surya for one month, Chandra for about two and a half days).
Gochar (Transits): Explaining the concept of planetary transits and their effects.
Pannati (Dasha Periods): Covering concepts like "Choti Pannati" (minor planetary periods) and "Moti Pannati" (major planetary periods), likely referring to Vimshottari Dasha or similar systems.
Planetary States: Discussing states like Vakri (retrograde), Atichara (fast-moving), and Astha (combust).
Aspects and Conjunctions: While not explicitly detailed in the provided content, these are fundamental to planetary analysis.
Planetary Influence: Explaining how planets in specific houses (Bhavas) and their relationships affect life.

V. Rashi Prakaran (Chapter on Zodiac Signs): This section deals with the twelve zodiac signs (Rashis) and their characteristics:

Rashi Praises: Praising the importance of tithis, nakshatras, and tara bala (star strength).
Moon's Positions: Discussing the effects of the Moon's placement in different houses from the birth chart and its relationship with nakshatras.
Tara Balam: The strength derived from the relationship between natal moon's nakshatra and the current nakshatra.
Moon's States: Analyzing the different phases and states of the Moon and their impact.
Chandra Vas (Moon's Dwelling): Explaining the direction associated with the Moon in different houses and its implications.
Sunrise Calculations (Chandrodaya Phala): Likely related to determining timings for astrological events.

VI. Muhurta Prakaran (Chapter on Auspicious Times): This is a significant and detailed chapter dedicated to selecting auspicious times (Muhurtas) for various life events and activities:

Life Cycle Rites: Covering Muhurtas for Garbhadhan (conception), Simant (hair-parting ceremony), Sutika Snan (post-natal bath), Namkaran (naming ceremony), Annaprashan (first feeding), Karnavedh (ear piercing), Mundan (tonsure), Vidyarambh (start of education), Diksha (initiation), Yagnopavit (sacred thread ceremony), and Vivah (marriage).
Marriage Muhurtas: A particularly extensive section, detailing various aspects of marriage compatibility and auspicious timings, including Bhekoot, Nadi, Gana, and planetary considerations.
Other Activities: It also includes Muhurtas for Yatra (travel), Vastu (house construction, foundation laying, housewarming), trade, starting new ventures, agricultural activities, and more.
Inauspicious Times: It extensively details inauspicious yogas and times to be avoided for specific tasks, such as Kala Bela, Yamaganda Kala, Rahu Kala, Bhadra, Yama Kantaka, Kuli, Karkataka Yoga, Mrityu Yoga, Utpaata Yoga, Yama Ghanta, Yama Dantura, Visha Yoga, Sthavira Yoga, Kshepa, Visha Panka, and many others, often with specific remedies or avoidance strategies.

VII. Yogas Prakaran (Chapter on Astrological Yogas): This chapter focuses on the formation and interpretation of various astrological yogas (planetary combinations and their effects):

Types of Yogas: Discussing numerous yogas formed by combinations of tithis, vaar (days), nakshatras, grahas (planets), and rashis.
Shubha and Ashubha Yogas: Differentiating between auspicious (Shubha) and inauspicious (Ashubha) yogas.
Specific Yogas: Detailed discussions on yogas like Amrita Siddhi Yoga, Siddhi Yoga, Shubha Yoga, Sadharana Yoga, Vish Yoga, Sthavira Yoga, Raja Yoga, Kumara Yoga, Sarvot, Yama Rahu, and others.
Effects of Yogas: Explaining the impact of these yogas on an individual's life and for specific Muhurtas.
Panchaka: A detailed discussion on the concept of Panchaka, its implications, and how to manage it.

Key Features and Contributions:

Comprehensive Coverage: The book aims to provide a holistic understanding of astrology within the Jain tradition, integrating various elements like tithis, vaars, nakshatras, planets, rashis, and Muhurtas.
Practical Application: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to Muhurta selection, making it a practical guide for performing various activities auspiciously according to Jain principles.
Detailed Yogas: The chapter on yogas is extensive, offering insights into numerous planetary combinations and their effects, which is crucial for predictive astrology.
Historical Context: The book's preface and content reveal the author's research into various traditional texts and his effort to present the information in Old Gujarati, preserving the language and literary style of the era.
Author's Expertise: The author, Himmatram Mahashankar Jani, is presented as a learned astrologer ("Jyotishi Hir") who has drawn upon various sources, including Sanskrit literature and local traditions, to compile this work. The inclusion of his personal reflections and efforts in deciphering and presenting the text adds a valuable dimension.
Emphasis on Jain Principles: While covering astrological principles, the underlying framework is Jain, suggesting an integration of spiritual and ethical considerations within the astrological guidance.
Detailed Table of Contents: The extensive table of contents provided indicates a highly organized and thorough approach to the subject matter, covering a vast range of astrological topics.

Overall: "Hirkalash Jain Jyotish" appears to be a valuable and comprehensive resource for anyone interested in Jain astrology. It covers the foundational elements, planetary influences, and the critical aspect of selecting auspicious timings for life events, all presented with a clear structure and a deep understanding of the subject. The work highlights the author's dedication to preserving and disseminating astrological knowledge within the Jain tradition.