Jyotish Karandakam - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jyotish Karandakam" by Parshvaratnasagar, published by Omkarsuri Aradhana Bhavan, based on the provided catalog link and page content.

Book Title: Shri Jyotish Karandakam (श्रीज्योतिष्करण्डकम्) Author: Acharya Shripadaliptasuri (श्री पादलिप्तसूरि) Commentary Author: Acharya Shrimallagiri (श्री मलयगिर्याचार्य) Compiler and Translator: Muni Parshvaratnasagar (मुनि पार्श्वरत्नसागर) Publisher: Acharya Omkarsuri Aradhana Bhavan (आ. ॐकारसूरि आराधना भवन), Surat

Overview and Significance:

The "Jyotish Karandakam" is an ancient Jain text, estimated to be over two thousand years old, that deals with the subjects of mathematics and astronomy (Jyotisha). It is considered a "Prakirnaka," which are texts that supplement the core Agamas. The text is recognized for its importance in understanding the Jain cosmological and temporal frameworks. It is believed to be based on the principles of the "Suryaprajnaapti," a foundational Agamic text on astronomy.

The current publication is a significant contribution as it presents the original Prakrit text along with a detailed commentary by Acharya Mallagiri and a Gujarati translation of both the original text and the commentary, which is appearing for the first time. The translation is the result of Muni Parshvaratnasagar's extensive efforts.

Author and Commentary:

Acharya Shripadaliptasuri is the original author of the "Jyotish Karandakam." Muni Parshvaratnasagar mentions that based on newer manuscripts found in Jesalmer and Khambhat, the original text consists of 406 verses, which is more than the 376 verses known to Acharya Mallagiri. This finding also clarifies that Acharya Shripadaliptasuri is indeed the author of the "Jyotish Karandakam" itself, and not its commentator, as was previously assumed by some.

Acharya Mallagiri is a renowned commentator on Jain Agamas. His commentary on "Jyotish Karandakam" is highly regarded for its depth, clarity, and analytical approach, often elaborating on complex concepts extensively.

Muni Parshvaratnasagar, the compiler and translator, is a disciple of Pujya Acharya Shri Navaratnasagarsurishwarji Maharaj. He has undertaken the monumental task of translating the original text and Mallagiri's commentary into Gujarati, making this ancient knowledge accessible to a wider audience.

Content and Subject Matter:

The "Jyotish Karandakam" primarily deals with time calculations and astronomical principles within the Jain framework. It is a summary of "Suryaprajnaapti" but also contains original insights and discussions. The text is structured into various "Prabhrutas" or chapters, covering topics such as:

Time Measurement (Kaal Pramanam): Detailed explanations of units of time, from moments (samaya) to the largest cosmic cycles.
Calendar Calculations: Including the formation of intercalary months (adhik mas), determination of tithis (lunar days), and days of conjunction (avam ratri).
Nomenclature and Calculations: Describing the counting and measurement of stars, planets, and celestial bodies.
Cosmic Geography: Explaining the structure of the universe, including the Jambu Island (Jambudvipa), Mount Meru, and other celestial regions.
Planetary Movements and Yogas: Discussing the movements and conjunctions of celestial bodies.
Astrology (Jyotish): Including concepts like auspicious timings, eclipses, and the influence of celestial bodies.
Vedic Jyotish Connection: The preface highlights that the "Jyotish Karandakam" is referenced in ancient Vedic mathematics texts like "Vedanga Jyotisha," indicating its influence and recognition beyond Jain traditions. It also mentions how Jain astronomical texts like "Suryaprajnaapti" and "Jyotish Karandakam" aided modern scholars in understanding the complex "Vedanga Jyotisha."

Key Features of the Publication:

First Gujarati Translation: The publication is distinguished by being the first to present the Gujarati translation of both the original Prakrit text and Acharya Mallagiri's commentary.
Scholarly Research: The edition benefits from the research and purification of readings conducted by Muni Punyavijayji Maharaj based on various manuscripts, including those from Jain libraries in Jaisalmer and Khambhat.
Additional Insights: The compiler has included additional verses found in later manuscripts and annotations in the commentary, providing a richer understanding.
Dedication: The book is dedicated to the memory of Pujya Acharya Bhagavant Shrimad Navratnasagarsurishwarji Maharaj.
Financial Support: The publication was made possible through the "Gyan Nidhi" of the Shri Jain Shvetambar Parshvanath Trust (Raj Nandgaon, Chhattisgarh).

Historical and Scholarly Context:

The preface delves into the historical context of Jain literature, noting a decline in the study of Sanskrit and Prakrit texts in contemporary times. It emphasizes the importance of translations to preserve and disseminate this ancient knowledge. The text also discusses the authorship debate surrounding Acharya Shripadaliptasuri and references the discovery of more extensive manuscripts, which shed new light on the text's structure and content. The preface also includes a detailed discussion on the dating of Acharya Shripadaliptasuri and the significance of "Jyotish Karandakam" in deciphering ancient Indian astronomy.

Overall Purpose:

The publication aims to make the profound knowledge of Jain mathematics and astronomy accessible to scholars, students, and the general Jain public, facilitating deeper study and understanding of the Agamic sciences and their contribution to the broader Indian intellectual heritage. The ultimate goal is to foster spiritual benefit and self-upliftment through the study of these texts.