Jyotirmahodaya
Added to library: September 2, 2025

Summary
This document is a table of contents and a detailed explanation of astrological principles and calculations, likely for calculating horoscopes and determining auspicious timings (Muhurta) within the Jain tradition. Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided text:
Book Title: Jyotirmahodaya (Great Emergence of Light/Astronomy) Author: Akshayvijay Publisher: Akshayvijay Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/008460/1
The book appears to be a comprehensive guide to Jain astrology, covering a wide range of topics from fundamental astronomical concepts to specific astrological calculations and their applications in daily life and religious practices.
Key Areas Covered:
-
Basic Astronomical Concepts:
- Latitude and Longitude (Page 6): Explains their significance in determining locations and their relation to direction.
- Time Calculations (Page 6, 7, 8): Details methods for calculating local time from standard time, determining sunrise for specific locations, and the complex process of calculating subtle auspicious timings (Lagana) from standard time and vice-versa.
- Ayan and Gol (Page 8): Explains the concepts of celestial movements – Dakshinayan (Southward movement of the Sun) and Uttaryan (Northward movement), and Uttargol (Northern celestial hemisphere) and Dakshingol (Southern celestial hemisphere).
- Seasons and Months (Page 8, 9): Lists the names of seasons and their corresponding months, as well as different types of lunar months (Chandramas, Sauramas, Savanmas, Nakshatramas).
-
Calendrical and Lunar Concepts:
- Adhik Maas and Kshaya Maas (Page 9): Explains the concept of intercalary months (Adhik Maas) and omitted months (Kshaya Maas), including rules for their occurrence and interpretation in a year.
- Tithi (Lunar Day) and its Significance (Page 10, 11): Discusses different types of Tithis (Nanda, Bhadra, Jaya, Rikta, Purna) and their implications for auspicious activities. It also covers concepts like Tithi Vriddhi (increase) and Kshaya (decrease) Tithis, and the suitability of Tithis for various tasks.
- Karana (Page 17, 18): Details the different Karanas (Bav, Balav, etc.), distinguishing between mobile (Chara) and fixed (Sthira) Karanas, and emphasizes the inauspicious nature of Visti Karana. It also explains the placement and effects of Visti throughout the month and its different body parts (face, neck, etc.) and the timings associated with them.
-
Planetary and Stellar Influences:
- Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions) (Page 13, 14, 15, 16, 17): Provides a comprehensive overview of all 27 Nakshatras, including their names, associated letters for naming, deities, presiding planets, characteristics (Yoni, Gana, Nadi, Varga), directional associations, and classifications (Chara, Laghu, Mrudu, Dhruva, Tikshna, Krura, Mitra). It explains their suitability for various activities and their symbolic meanings (animals associated with them). It also details specific Nakshatras like Pushya, Abhijit, and their significance.
- Graha Bhed and other classifications (Page 16): Discusses classifications of Nakshatras based on their position relative to planets (Sandhyagata, etc.) and their implications.
- Planetary Positions and States (Page 27, 28): Covers concepts like childhood and old age of planets (Guru, Shukra, Chandra) and the importance of their strength. It also explains planetary dasas (planetary periods) and their fruits.
- Planetary Transits and Aspects (Page 35, 36): Discusses the concept of "Veda" (aspects) between planets in transit and their auspicious or inauspicious effects.
- Planetary Strengths and Friendships (Page 36, 42, 43): Details various types of planetary strengths and their calculation, as well as concepts of Panchadha Maitri (five types of planetary friendships).
- Planetary Dignities and Directions (Page 42, 43): Explains the directional lords of planets and their positions.
-
Astrological Calculations and Doshas:
- Ayana, Gol, and Ritu (Page 8): Explains the cyclical movements of the Sun and their division into seasons.
- Yoga (Astrological Combinations) (Page 19, 20, 21, 22, 23): A significant portion of the book is dedicated to various auspicious and inauspicious yogas formed by combinations of Tithi, Vara (day), and Nakshatra, such as Anandadi Yogas, Vishakumbhadhi Yogas, Triputshkar Yoga, Dvipushkar Yoga, Sarvarth Siddhi Yoga, and various auspicious and inauspicious combinations for specific activities.
- Doshas (Malefic Influences) (Page 22, 23): Discusses various astrological doshas like Pat Dosha, Latta Dosha, Gandanta Dosha, and Tithi-Vara doshas.
- Navamsa Calculations (Page 35, 36, 37): Explains the method of calculating the Navamsa chart and its significance, including tables for determining the strength and elemental qualities of Navamsas.
- Shodasamsa and other Divisional Charts: Mentioned in passing, indicating a broader scope of astrological analysis.
- Chitra Analysis (Page 26): Discusses the concept of "Chitra" in relation to Nakshatras, possibly referring to the symbols or characteristics associated with them.
- Varga and Padvarga (Page 36, 37): Explains the concept of Vargas (divisional charts) and their calculation and interpretation.
-
Muhurta (Auspicious Timings):
- Muhurta for various activities (Page 45, 46): Provides specific guidelines for determining auspicious times for wearing new clothes, using utensils, performing ceremonies like Lokatmana (eye opening), starting education (Vidyarambh), Nandishraddh, first journey (Pratham Gochari), taking medicine (Aushadh), and performing rituals.
- Specific Muhurta Timings (Page 46): Details auspicious timings for Vijay Muhurta, Ushakala, and Godhuli Muhurta.
- Muhurta for Jain Religious Practices: Explains Muhurta for Diksha (initiation), Pratishtha (consecration of deities/temples), Padaropana (installation), and Shanti Snana.
- Directional Considerations in Muhurta (Page 47, 48): Discusses concepts like Disha Shool (directional malefic influences), Kal Shool, and Yogini, and provides charts (Yantras) for their determination. It also explains the significance of directions in relation to Nakshatras and their suitability for travel (Prayana).
- Parigh Chakra and Vastu Shastra Elements: Discusses Parigh Chakra and Vastu principles related to construction and auspicious timings for entering new homes.
- Koot Chakra and Kurma Chakra (Page 38, 39): These are specialized cyclical charts used for determining auspiciousness based on Tithi, Vara, and Nakshatra.
- Grahacharya (Planetary Movements) and their effects (Page 40): Discusses the influence of planets in transit and their interactions.
-
Specific Astrological Interpretations:
- Chandra Bala (Moon's Strength) (Page 27, 28): Explains the twelve states of the Moon and their astrological significance.
- Shubhashubh Chandra (Auspicious and Inauspicious Moon) (Page 27): Discusses the conditions under which the Moon is considered auspicious or inauspicious.
- Panchadha Maitri (Five Types of Planetary Friendships) (Page 42): Explains the system of calculating planetary friendships based on natural relationships, temporary relationships, etc.
- Varga Maitri and Lenyadeni (Page 66, 67): Discusses the importance of considering the relationship between the deity's Nakshatra and the village's Nakshatra for establishing temples, and also the compatibility between a devotee and the deity.
- Shashikoot (Page 65): Discusses the importance of the Moon's position and its relationship with other planets.
- Nakshatra Yoni, Gana, Nadi, Varga (Page 14, 64): Details the classification of Nakshatras based on these parameters, which are crucial for compatibility and auspiciousness.
- Paat Dosha, Gandanta Dosha (Page 23): Discusses specific malefic influences associated with certain astrological positions.
- Tithis related to Grahas (Page 11): Explains Tithis that are considered inauspicious due to planetary influences.
-
Temple Construction and Idol Installation:
- Vastu Shastra Principles (Page 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63): Covers various aspects of Vastu Shastra relevant to temple construction, including the ideal orientation of the temple, the shape and placement of the sanctum (Garbhagriha), the construction of the flagstaff (Dhvajdand) and its measurements, the placement of the idol (Bimb), and the rules for repairing or replacing idols.
- Idol Specifications: Discusses the ideal material, proportions, and acceptable defects for idols.
- Pratishtha (Consecration) Muhurta: Provides guidelines for auspicious timings for consecrating deities and temples.
- Shikhara and Dhvajdand Rules: Explains the specifics of the temple spire and flagpole.
-
Specific Jain Rituals and Practices:
- Diksha Muhurta (Page 50, 51): Details the auspicious timings and considerations for initiation ceremonies.
- Pratishtha Muhurta (Page 51, 52): Provides guidelines for the consecration of temples and idols.
- Shantisnana and Grah Puja (Page 53): Mentions auspicious days for peace rituals and planetary worship.
- Padaropana (Page 53): Discusses auspicious timings for installation rituals.
- Chakras (Page 53): Refers to cyclical charts used in astrological calculations.
- Prayana, Pravesh, and Prasthan Muhurta (Page 45, 46): Provides guidelines for auspicious timings for journeys, entering new homes, and departing from a place.
- Shakun Shastra (Page 47): Touches upon the interpretation of omens.
- Nadichakra (Page 47): Explains the significance of celestial channels or pulses.
- Vastu and Directional Principles (Page 47, 48, 62, 63): Integrates Vastu principles with astrological considerations for auspicious directions and construction.
- Timings for Jain Tirthankaras (Page 64): Lists the birth Nakshatras, Chandras, Yonis, Ganas, and Nadis of the Tirthankaras.
-
Detailed Astronomical and Astrological Tables and Charts:
- The book includes numerous tables and charts (Yantras) for calculations, such as:
- Sunrise and Sunset tables for various latitudes and dates (Pages 76-86).
- Tables for calculating planetary positions and aspects.
- Charts for determining yogas and doshas.
- Tables for calculating Vargas and Navamsas.
- Lunar Nakshatra relationships (Shashikoot).
- The book includes numerous tables and charts (Yantras) for calculations, such as:
-
Specific Astrological Tools and Techniques:
- Dharna Yantra (Page 55, 56): A cyclical chart for understanding the relationships between deities and locations, likely for idol placement.
- Veda Yantra (Page 36, 41): Charts illustrating planetary aspects.
- Navaamsa Ganana Vidhi (Page 35): Method for calculating the Navamsa chart.
- Lagana Kadhvani Riti (Page 7, 8, 9, 49, 91): Detailed methods for calculating auspicious ascendants (Lagana).
- Karak Kundali (Page 30): A chart showing the significator planets for different houses.
- Moolank (Numerology) (Page 38): Mentioned in relation to finding Nakshatras based on birth numbers.
- Upagraha (Secondary Planets) and their effects (Page 21).
- Panchanga (Almanac) related calculations: The book relies heavily on Panchanga calculations.
Overall Purpose:
"Jyotirmahodaya" appears to be a comprehensive manual for Jain astrologers and practitioners, providing them with the theoretical knowledge and practical tools necessary to understand celestial movements, calculate astrological positions, identify auspicious timings, and interpret their influence on human life and religious activities. It emphasizes the integration of astronomical accuracy with Jain philosophical principles and practices.