Mandal Prakaran

This Jain text, titled "Mandal Prakaran," is a treatise on celestial bodies and their movements, compiled by Muni Chaturvijay. It is based on the work of Pandit Vinaykushal and includes his commentary. The book was published by the Shri Jain Atmanand Sabha in Bhavnagar.

The "Mandal Prakaran" delves into the intricate details of the solar, lunar, and stellar systems as understood within Jain cosmology. It meticulously describes:

• The composition and arrangement of celestial bodies: The text details the number and arrangement of Chandras (Moons), Suryas (Suns), Grahas (Planets), Nakshatras (Stars), and Tarakas (constellations) within different cosmological realms, particularly focusing on Jambudvipa (India continent).
• Their movements and paths: It explains the circular paths (mandals) these celestial bodies follow around Mount Meru and the specific distances and dimensions of these paths. The text discusses how these movements vary and contribute to the concept of day and night, and the progression of time.
• The concept of "Tapakshetra" (area of influence): The book elaborates on how the heat and light (tapakshetra) of the Sun and Moon expand and contract as they move through different mandals, influencing different regions. It explains how this affects day and night cycles and the duration of daylight and darkness in various geographical locations within the Jain universe.
• The causes of eclipses: The text discusses the role of Rahu (a celestial entity believed to cause eclipses) in obscuring the Sun and Moon, providing different explanations for the phenomenon.
• The structure and composition of celestial vehicles: It describes the nature and composition of the vehicles (viman) that carry these celestial bodies, detailing their shapes, sizes, and materials.
• The specific locations and influences of Nakshatras and Tarakas: The text maps out the positions of various Nakshatras and Tarakas within different celestial mandals and explains their relationship with the Moon, including the duration of their conjunctions.
• The directional movements of celestial bodies: It details how celestial bodies move in southern and northern paths and how these movements relate to timekeeping and seasons.

The compilation highlights the author's effort to meticulously research and present this complex cosmological information based on earlier Jain scriptures like the Jivabhigama and Samavāyānga. The text also acknowledges the contributions of previous scholars and the preservation efforts of the Jain Atmanand Sabha. The preface emphasizes the rarity and importance of this text, noting that its knowledge is not readily available in other Anga and Upanga scriptures.