Jyotish Prashna Falganana - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jyotish Prashna Falganana" by Dayashankar Upadhyay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jyotish Prashna Falganana (ज्यौतिष-प्रश्न-फलगना) Author: Dayashankar Upadhyay (दैवज्ञ श्रो दयाशङ्कर उपाध्याय) Publisher: Chaukhamba Vidyabhavan, Varanasi Year: 1975 (V.S. 2019)

Overview:

The book "Jyotish Prashna Falganana," meaning "Astrological Query Interpretation," is a foundational text in Jain Prashna Shastra (horary astrology). It aims to provide astrological insights and predictions based on the time a question is asked. The book emphasizes the direct and evidential nature of astrology, with the sun and moon serving as its witnesses.

Structure of the Book:

The text is divided into six main sections, including a preface and a concluding appendix:

Preface (प्राक्कथन):
- Highlights astrology as a direct science with the sun and moon as witnesses.
- Explains the three main branches (Skandhas) of Jyotisha:
  - Ganita Skandha: Deals with geography and astronomy.
  - Hora Skandha: Covers natal (Jataka), Tajaka (yearly horary), and Prashna (horary).
  - Samhita Skandha: Includes texts on Gargadi Samhita, Ramal, Swarashastra, Shakuna, Samudrika, Vastu Vidya, and Muhurta.
- Stresses the importance of Prashna Shastra for all religious followers, as it helps in determining auspicious times and outcomes for daily activities.
- Mentions various classical texts on Prashna Shastra.
- States that this compilation is a summary of numerous Prashna texts authored by great sages, presented in a simple and understandable language with a commentary.
- The preface is dated Makar Sankranti, V.S. 2019.
Chapter 1: Char-Sthir-Dvisvabhav Prashna (चर-स्थिर-द्विस्वभावप्रश्नः):
- This chapter deals with the interpretation of queries based on the nature of the Ascendant (Lagna) and the positions of the Sun and Moon in the zodiac signs (Char - movable, Sthir - fixed, Dvisvabhav - dual-bodied).
- It provides a detailed breakdown of how combinations of movable, fixed, and dual-bodied Lagna, Sun, and Moon influence the outcome of a query, predicting success, failure, obstacles, wealth, happiness, and sorrow.
Chapter 2: Kerali Prashna (केरलीप्रश्नः):
- This section introduces a specific method from Kerali astrology, involving a "Panchachakra" (five-fold circle).
- The process involves chanting a mantra, offering a betel nut, and placing it in two sets of five squares. The sum of the numbers in the chosen squares determines the prediction.
- Different sums (from 11 to 55) are associated with specific outcomes like success, delays, obstacles, prosperity, loss, or the need for divine intervention.
Chapter 3: Beej Prashna (बीजप्रश्नः):
- This chapter focuses on "Beej Prashna," where the querent is asked to place a symbolic item (like a betel nut) on a letter of the alphabet.
- The first letter of the querent's name or the letter chosen determines the outcome.
- The chapter provides a comprehensive list of predictions associated with each Sanskrit vowel and consonant, indicating happiness, sorrow, wealth, loss, success, obstacles, marriage, children, and even death based on the chosen letter.
Chapter 4: Dhwajadi Sarvopayogi Prashna Phalam (ध्वजादिसर्वोपयोगिप्रश्नफलम्):
- This extensive chapter deals with a system using eight "Ayas" or divisions (Dhwaj, Dhumra, Simha, Shvan, Vrish, Khar, Gaja, Dhvanksha).
- It details how to determine the outcome of various queries based on which of these eight Ayas is indicated by the first letter of the querent's name or question.
- The Ayas are associated with specific deities, planets, and outcomes for queries related to:
  - Existence or non-existence (Asti-Nasti).
  - Profit or loss (Labha-Alabha).
  - Recovery of lost items.
  - Direction of lost items.
  - Location of lost items.
  - Well-being of travelers (Prvasi-Kushal).
  - Stability of travelers (Char-Sthir).
  - Arrival of travelers (Agaman).
  - Time of arrival.
  - Concerns about metals, life, or roots.
  - Specific metals (Gold, Silver, etc.).
  - Handful queries (Mushti Prashna).
  - Nature of items in a handful.
  - Gender of a child at birth (Kanya-Putra Janma).
  - Longevity (Ayuh Pramana).
  - Arrival of enemies.
  - Victory or defeat.
  - Rainfall.
  - Garbha Vichar (related to pregnancy and its impact).
  - Timing of events (Dinadin Prashna).
  - Gaining a woman (Stri Labha).
  - Business and dealings (Vyavahar).
  - Boats (Nauka Prashna).
  - Gaining kingdom (Rajya Prapti).
  - Gaining authority (Adhikara Prapti).
  - Gaining a village (Grama Prapti).
  - Success in endeavors (Karya Siddhi).
  - Release of prisoners (Vandi Mochan).
  - Timing of events in general.
  - Worship of deities (Deva Puja).
  - Planetary donations.
Chapter 5: Prashnashtakam (प्रश्नाष्टकम्):
- This chapter presents a system of "Dhruvanankas" (fixed numbers) for various types of questions.
- It lists specific numerical values for different categories of queries like profit/loss, life/death, happiness/sorrow, coming/going, victory/defeat, rain, travel, and pregnancy.
- It also provides "Aksharank Dhruvas" (numerical values for Sanskrit letters).
- The method involves determining the numerical value of a question (e.g., by the time or a spoken word) and combining it with the Dhruvananka for that question type. The remainder after division (usually by 3 or 2) then indicates the outcome.
Chapter 6: Arkamuladharit ShubhAshubh Prashna (अर्कमूलाधारेण शुभाशुभप्रश्नः):
- This concluding chapter describes a method of divination using the root of the "Ark" plant (Calotropis gigantea).
- On a Sunday, after fasting and preparing the root, it is used to create a cube or die with the letters 'A', 'Va', 'Ja', 'Da' inscribed on its sides.
- The querent's question is addressed with a specific mantra, and the die is rolled three times.
- The resulting sequence of letters is interpreted to provide specific predictions about satisfaction, success, sorrow, obstacles, relationships, and the timing of events.

Key Themes and Methodologies:

Prashna Shastra: The book is primarily a guide to horary astrology, a branch of Vedic astrology that answers questions based on the exact time the question is asked.
Combinatorial Analysis: The core of the book lies in the combinatorial interpretation of astrological factors like Lagna, planetary positions, and specific numerical or alphabetic systems.
Symbolism: Various elements like the nature of signs (movable, fixed, dual), letters, and numbers are used as symbols to represent different outcomes.
Practical Application: The text is designed for practical use by astrologers and individuals seeking guidance on various life matters, from personal well-being to business and travel.
Jain Context: While rooted in broader Jyotisha principles, the publication by "Chaukhamba Vidyabhavan" and its mention within a Jain context suggest a specific lineage or emphasis relevant to Jain traditions.

In essence, "Jyotish Prashna Falganana" is a detailed manual for interpreting questions astrologically, offering a rich set of techniques and interpretations to predict outcomes across a wide spectrum of human concerns.