Jyotirvignan Shabda Kosh

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jyotirvignan Shabda Kosh" by Surkant Jha, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jyotirvignan Shabda Kosh (Dictionary of Astronomical and Astrological Terms)

Author: Dr. Surkant Jha (Jyotishshastraacharya, Shikshashastri, Chakravarti)

Publisher: Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/020421/1

Overall Purpose: The "Jyotirvignan Shabda Kosh" is a comprehensive dictionary compiled and edited by Dr. Surkant Jha. Its primary objective is to provide clear, accurate, and detailed definitions of terms used in Indian astronomical and astrological literature, from the Vedic period to the present. The author aims to simplify the study and teaching of these sciences and to make their practical application more accessible.

Key Themes and Contents:

1. Importance of Jyotisha: The preface strongly emphasizes the significance of Jyotisha (astronomy/astrology) as one of the six Vedangas (limbs of the Vedas). It quotes various authorities like Bhaskaracharya, Narada, and Lagadha to highlight Jyotisha's role as the "eye of the Vedas," crucial for determining auspicious times (Kala Jnana) for all actions, both worldly (Laukik) and Vedic. Without Jyotisha, no ritual or duty can be successfully completed. It's presented as a direct, logical, and observational science, with the Moon and Sun as its witnesses.

2. Historical Context of Jyotisha Literature: Dr. Jha laments the loss and suppression of ancient Indian astronomical texts, particularly during the Mughal era. He notes how some surviving texts were selectively used by later scholars, and how some knowledge might have been transmitted to other cultures. He also points out that many modern texts are compilations from around the 15th century onwards, with Aryabhata (397 AD) being an early prominent figure. The influence of works like Brihasamhita and Brihajjataka is acknowledged, along with later works like Tajika Nilakanthi.

3. Structure of Jyotisha Shastra: The book follows the traditional division of Jyotisha into three main branches (Skandhas):

   • Siddhanta: Deals with astronomical calculations, planetary movements, and mathematical aspects (Ganita). Key texts mentioned include Suryasiddhanta, Brahmasphutasiddhanta, Siddhanta Sekhara, Siddhanta Shiromani, and Aryabhatiya.
   • Samhita: Focuses on mundane astrology (weather, agriculture, politics, omens) and predictive astrology based on natural phenomena. Brihasamhita by Varahamihira is highlighted as a key available text.
   • Hora: Concerns horary astrology and natal astrology (predictions based on birth charts). Brihajjataka by Varahamihira is considered foundational, with its epitome, Laghu Jataka, also being important. Many other Hora texts are mentioned.

4. Methodology and Scope: The dictionary is structured into 20 main sections (Sargas), covering a vast array of topics. Each entry aims to provide:

   • Synonyms (Paryaya): Multiple names for the same concept.
   • Definitions: Explanations of the term.
   • Etymology (Shabda Vyutpatti): The origin and derivation of words are discussed in a dedicated section (Sarga 19).
   • Categorization: Terms are often categorized (e.g., auspicious/inauspicious days, types of asterisms, names of deities associated with specific timings).

5. Key Sections (Sargas) and Their Content:

   • Sarga 1: Panchanga: Details the five limbs of the Panchanga (almanac): Tithi (lunar day), Vara (day of the week), Nakshatra (lunar mansion), Yoga, and Karana. It provides synonyms, names, governing deities, and classifications for each component, including various divisions of lunar days (Nanda, Bhadra, etc.) and the names of the 27 (or 28 with Abhijit) Nakshatras and their presiding deities.
   • Sarga 2: Kala (Time): Explains various units and concepts of time, from Vini-mesha (second) to Kalpa. It lists synonyms and provides detailed definitions for each unit.
   • Sarga 3: Parva (Festivals/Eclipses): Lists significant festivals and auspicious days throughout the Hindu lunar calendar, month by month, with their associated deities and specific observances.
   • Sarga 4: Rashi (Zodiac Signs): Defines the twelve zodiac signs, including their synonyms, associated deities, ruling planets, elements, directions, and classification (movable, fixed, dual).
   • Sarga 5: Graha (Planets): Provides an extensive list of synonyms and attributes for the nine Grahas (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu), including their qualities, lords, colors, directions, and symbolic associations. It also touches upon the concept of planetary strengths.
   • Sarga 6: Manasa (Mind/Psychology in Astrology): Covers terms related to mental states, emotions, and psychological aspects within astrology, such as joy (Ananda), sorrow (Klesha), and suffering (Duhkha).
   • Sarga 7: Ganana (Calculation): Explains various aspects of astronomical calculation, including numerical terms, units of measurement, and mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It details the process of calculating various time units and astronomical events.
   • Sarga 8: Graha Ganita (Planetary Calculation): Delays with the intricate calculations of planetary positions, movements, and various corrections applied to achieve accurate astronomical data. It discusses concepts like conjunctions (Yuti), oppositions, and other planetary interactions.
   • Sarga 9: Bhava (Houses): Defines the twelve astrological houses (Bhavas) and their associated significations (e.g., Tana - body, Dhana - wealth, Sahaja - siblings, Sukha - happiness, Putra - children, Ripu - enemies, etc.), including synonyms and related concepts. It also discusses concepts like Upachaya and Trikona bhavas.
   • Sarga 10: Muhurta (Auspicious Time): Focuses on the science of selecting auspicious timings for various activities and rituals. It details the importance of Panchanga Shuddhi, Chandra Shuddhi, Lagna Shuddhi, and other astrological considerations for Muhurtas. It also explains the operation of the Ghata Yantra (water clock).
   • Sarga 11: Ayurdayadi (Longevity and Life): Deals with astrological calculations related to longevity, lifespan, and various astrological factors influencing it. It defines different types of life spans (Anayu, Dirghayu, etc.) and related concepts.
   • Sarga 12: Drishtiadi (Aspects and Sight): Covers concepts related to planetary aspects (Drishti), mutual relationships between planets, and their influences. It explains various astrological views and interpretations.
   • Sarga 13: Dhatu (Elements): Explains the concept of elements (Dhatus) within the body and their relation to planetary influences, as per Ayurvedic and Jyotisha principles.
   • Sarga 14: Deva (Deities): Lists various deities and celestial beings associated with astrological concepts, including the presiding deities of planets, asterisms, directions, and the broader cosmic order.
   • Sarga 15: Dik (Directions): Defines the cardinal directions and their associated deities and rulers.
   • Sarga 16: Dikpala (Guardians of Directions): Lists and defines the eight Dikpalas and the planets governing them.
   • Sarga 17: Pura (Cities/Locations): Details various cities, geographical locations, and their significance in astrological contexts, particularly in relation to calculations based on longitude.
   • Sarga 18: Prakirna (Miscellaneous): Covers a wide range of miscellaneous terms not fitting into other specific categories, including concepts related to yoga, remedial measures, and various astrological phenomena.
   • Sarga 19: Shabda Vyutpatti (Etymology): This section is crucial as it delves into the meaning and origin of terms, explaining how words are formed through roots, prefixes, suffixes, and their usage in astrological contexts. It helps understand the nuances of Sanskrit terminology.
   • Sarga 20: Shabdanukramanika (Alphabetical Index): An exhaustive alphabetical index of all words included in the dictionary, with their corresponding page numbers, facilitating quick reference.
   • Sarga 21: Sankshipt Shabda (Brief Explanation): A supplementary section offering concise explanations for some of the more complex or commonly encountered terms.

Key Features:

• Comprehensiveness: The work aims to be an exhaustive resource for terminology in Jyotirvijnana.
• Scholarly Approach: Compiled by an author with deep knowledge in Jyotisha and Sanskrit, the work reflects a scholarly and systematic approach.
• Multilingual Approach (Implied): While the definitions are in Hindi/Sanskrit, the explanations likely draw from various textual traditions, including potentially Sanskrit, and possibly acknowledge vernacular terms where appropriate.
• Alphabetical Organization: The inclusion of an index makes the vast information accessible.
• Focus on Jain Context (Implied): While not explicitly detailed in these pages, the publisher and repository link suggest a connection to Jain studies, implying that the astrological traditions discussed might be viewed through a Jain philosophical lens, or that the book is part of a larger Jain academic effort.

In essence, "Jyotirvignan Shabda Kosh" is a monumental effort to preserve, clarify, and disseminate the rich and complex vocabulary of Indian astronomical and astrological sciences, making it an invaluable reference for students, scholars, and practitioners.