Muhurtraj

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Muhurtraj" by Muni Jayprabhvijay, based on the provided pages and catalog link.

Book Title: Muhurtraj (मुहूर्तराज) Author: Muni Jayprabhvijay (मुनि जयप्रभ विजय) (also referred to as Muni Jayprabhvijay 'Shraman' - मुनि जयप्रभविजयजी 'श्रमण') Publisher: Rajendra Pravachan Karyalay Khudala (राजेन्द्र प्रवचन कार्यालय खुडाला) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/001933/1

Overview:

"Muhurtraj" is a significant Jain text compiled by Muni Jayprabhvijay, focusing on the principles and practices of muhurta (auspicious timing) in accordance with Jain traditions and astrological sciences. The text aims to provide guidance on selecting auspicious times for various activities to ensure their success and positive outcomes, aligning these practices with the broader Jain philosophy. The book is a Hindi commentary and compilation based on Sanskrit texts, with a Hindi translation and explanation provided by the author.

Key Aspects and Content:

The book is structured into five main sections or prakaranas (प्रकरण):

1. Shubhashubh (शुभाशुभ - Auspiciousness and Inauspiciousness): This section delves into the fundamental principles of auspiciousness and inauspiciousness in time. It covers topics like:

   • Saka to Samvat Gyan (शकात् संवत्सर ज्ञानम्): Calculating the Vikrama Samvat from the Shaka era.
   • Ayan Gyan (अयन ज्ञानम्): Understanding the Uttaraayana and Dakshinayana periods and their significance for different activities. It highlights that Dakshinayana is suitable for specific deities and certain activities, while generally, Uttaraayana is preferred for auspicious events.
   • Ritual Knowledge (ऋतु ज्ञानम्): The cyclical nature of seasons and their astrological implications.
   • Kshaya and Adhik Maas (क्षयाधिक मास ज्ञान): Explaining intercalary (Adhik) and omitted (Kshaya) months and the prohibitions associated with them, such as avoiding auspicious ceremonies during these periods, with exceptions for certain time-bound rituals.
   • Merits and Demerits of Specific Times: Discussions on the auspiciousness of certain days, dates, and constellations, including the concept of Dagdha Tithi (burnt dates) and their adverse effects, the masters of various tithis, and the signs of Vriddhi (increase) and Kshaya (decrease) of tithis.
   • Vara (वार - Day of the Week): Detailed analysis of auspicious and inauspicious days, their horoscopes (Kala Horas), and their associated timings (Vara Vela). It also discusses Chhaya Lagna (shadow ascendant) based on days.
   • Nakshatra (नक्षत्र - Lunar Mansions): Comprehensive information on the 27 constellations, their masters, their classifications (Dhruva, Chara, Ugra, Mishra, Laghu, Mridu, Tikshna, Adhomukh, Urdhvamukh, Tiryamukh), and the specific activities suitable for each. It also covers the concept of Panchak and Abhijit Nakshatra.
   • Rashis (राशि - Zodiac Signs): Discussing the masters of the signs, the famous Ashtakuta system for marital compatibility, including Varna Koot, Vashya Koot, Tara Koot, Yoni Koot, Graha Maitri, Gana Koot, Bhakoot, and Nadi Koot, and their respective merits.
   • Yoga (योग - Combinations of Nakshatra, Tithi, etc.): Detailed explanation of various yogas like Vishkumbha, Anandaadi, Amrit Siddhi, Kumar Yoga, Raj Yoga, and inauspicious yogas like Karkach, Kantaka, Kulika, Yamaghat, and Vajra. It emphasizes the importance of Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga and Raviyoga and discusses the conditions under which even auspicious yogas might be considered inauspicious for specific tasks.
   • Karana (करण - Half Tithi): Explaining the 11 types of Karanas, including the movable (Chara) and fixed (Sthira) ones, with special mention of Visti (Bhadra) and its inauspicious nature for most activities, along with its exceptions.
   • Chandra Vichar (चन्द्र विचार - Moon's Position): Analyzing the Moon's transit through different houses from the Janma Rashi (birth sign) or Nam Rashi (name sign) and its effects. It also discusses the concept of Chandra Bala (moon's strength) and Ghat Chandra (inauspicious moon).
   • Bhadra Nirnay (भद्रानिर्णय): A detailed discussion on Bhadra, its timings, its various forms, its auspiciousness based on its location (heaven, earth, underworld), and methods to mitigate its ill effects.
   • Guru Shukra Astha (गुरु शुक्र अस्ता - Venus and Jupiter's Combustion): Discussing the periods when Jupiter and Venus are combust and the activities to be avoided during these times, along with remedial measures.
   • Vivaha Dosha (विवाह दोष - Marital Impediments): Covering ten specific inauspicious combinations or yogas that are particularly detrimental for marriage, such as Latta, Pata, Yuti, Vedha, Yamitra, Panchaka, etc., and emphasizing their avoidance.
   • Panchashalaka and Saptashalaka Chakra (पंचशलाका एवं सप्तशलाका चक्र): Explaining these astrological diagrams used for checking the validity of certain timings, especially for marriage and other specific events. It details the methods of their construction and interpretation, including the concept of Viddha Nakshatras (afflicted lunar mansions).
   • Shubhashubh Shakun (शकुन - Omens): The significance of good and bad omens observed during travel and other activities, including the method of interpreting Kshuta Phala (effect of sneezing) based on direction and time.
   • Duhshakuna Upchar (दुःशकुन उपचार - Remedies for Bad Omens): Providing methods to mitigate the ill effects of inauspicious signs.
   • Pre-travel Rituals: Discussing rules and rituals to be observed before undertaking a journey, including dietary restrictions, shaving, and refraining from certain activities.
   • Travel Direction and Vehicles: Guidance on auspicious directions and types of conveyances for travel.
   • Purashcharana (Purashcharana): Mention of rituals related to the worship of deities.

2. Lagna Shuddhi (लग्न शुद्धि - Purification of the Ascendant): This section focuses on the critical aspect of determining the correct ascendant (Lagna) for an event. It covers:

   • Lagna Nayan Vidhi: Methods for calculating the ascendant based on the Sun's position and the time of day.
   • Navaansh Sadhana: Calculating the Navamsha chart.
   • Dwadasha Bhava: Understanding the twelve houses of the horoscope and their classifications (Kendra, etc.).
   • Planet Positions: Details on planetary exaltation, debilitation, and friendly signs (Mool Trikona), their significance.
   • Drishti (दृष्टि - Planetary Aspects): The nature of planetary aspects and their benevolent or malevolent effects.
   • Lagana Bhanga Dosha: Identifying combinations that weaken or invalidate the ascendant.
   • Remedies for Doshas: Methods to counteract astrological afflictions.
   • Lagna Shuddhi for Different Events: Specific considerations for purifying the lagna for various ceremonies.
   • Discussion on different Lagna systems: The text touches upon the debate between Bhava-Vritti (sidereal) and Bhabimbiya (tropical) systems, favoring the latter for its consistency with traditional Indian practices.

3. Avashyak Muhurta (आवश्यक मुहूर्त - Necessary Auspicious Times): This section details auspicious timings for specific important life events and activities:

   • Shanti and Paushtik Karma: Auspicious times for peace rituals and ceremonies for well-being.
   • Akshararambha and Vidyarambha: Auspicious times for starting education and writing.
   • Diksha Muhurta: Auspicious timings for initiation ceremonies.
   • Lochakarma and related rituals: Auspicious times for specific ceremonies.
   • Yatra Muhurta: Detailed guidance on selecting auspicious times for travel, including considerations for direction, lunar mansions (Nakshatra Shula), days (Vara Shula), and malefic timings like Yogini Dasha.
   • Shakun (Omens): The role of omens in travel and the importance of mental purity (Manah Shuddhi) and their interpretation.
   • Griha Pravesh and Nav Vastra Dharan: Auspicious times for housewarming ceremonies and wearing new clothes.
   • Royal Audience, Trade, Service: Auspicious times for meeting rulers, engaging in trade, and initiating service.
   • Mantra Upadesha: Auspicious times for receiving spiritual knowledge.

4. Vastu Nirman (वास्तु निर्माण - Architectural Auspiciousness): This section focuses on the principles of Vastu Shastra related to construction:

   • Vastu Prayojan: The purpose and significance of Vastu.
   • Site Selection and Orientation: Considerations for choosing a location and orienting the building, including the concept of Kakini for assessing suitability.
   • Vastu Pravesh: Auspicious times for starting construction, considering solar and lunar months, days, and constellations.
   • Directional Placement: Guidance on the appropriate directions for different parts of the house, such as the main gate, temple, study room, and dining hall.
   • Vastu Purusha Mandala: Discussion on the Vastu Purusha and its significance.
   • Excavation and Foundation: Auspicious times for digging foundations and laying the foundation stone, including considerations for Rahumukh.

5. Griha Pravesh and Pratishtha (गृह प्रवेश एवं प्रतिष्ठा - Housewarming and Consecration): This final section deals with the rituals of entering a new home and consecrating deities or structures:

   • Types of Griha Pravesh: Discussing Apurva Pravesh (for new homes), Supurva Pravesh (after travel), and Dvandva Abhaya Pravesh (for rebuilt homes).
   • Pratishtha Muhurta: Auspicious times for consecrating deities, temples, and other sacred structures.
   • Kalash Chakra: The significance and application of the Kalash Chakra in housewarming and consecration.
   • Worship and Rituals: The importance of performing Vastu Puja and other related rituals.
   • Consecration of Deities: Specific guidance on auspicious timings for consecrating various deities.
   • Concluding Remarks: The text concludes with the compiler's (Munishri Jayprabhvijay) blessings and acknowledgments.

Author and Compilation:

Muni Jayprabhvijayji 'Shraman' is presented as a scholar of astrology and grammar. He is a disciple of Muni Gulabvijayji Maharaj, who compiled this work (Muhurtraj) by drawing from 31 various astrological texts, both Jain and non-Jain. The compilation was completed in 1976 VS (Vikram Samvat). The Hindi commentary (Shri Rajendra Hindi Teeka) was later prepared by Muni Jayprabhvijayji, dedicated to the memory of Shri Vijayrajendra Surishwarji Maharaj. The second edition was published later.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Coverage: The book covers a wide range of muhurtas for various aspects of life, from personal ceremonies to architectural undertakings.
• Jain Tradition: It emphasizes the importance of adhering to Jain principles and practices while engaging in astrological timing.
• Practical Guidance: The text provides practical advice and specific muhurtas, making it a valuable resource for individuals seeking auspicious timings.
• Scholarly Approach: The author has drawn upon numerous ancient texts, ensuring a well-researched and authoritative presentation.
• Hindi Commentary: The availability of a Hindi commentary makes the complex Sanskrit astrological principles accessible to a wider audience.

Dedication and Commendations:

The book is dedicated to Pujya Bhattarak Jain Shwetambaraacharya Prabhu Shri Madhvijay Rajendra Surishwarji Maharaj, the founder of Shri Mohan Kheda Tirth and author of the Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh. The work is also blessed by other esteemed Jain acharyas and munis. The text includes detailed acknowledgments to contributors and donors, reflecting the community support behind its publication.

Overall Significance:

"Muhurtraj" serves as a vital guide for Jains seeking to align their significant life events and undertakings with auspicious timings, thereby honoring their religious principles and seeking divine blessings for success and well-being. The work of Muni Jayprabhvijay and Muni Gulabvijayji makes complex astrological knowledge accessible and relevant to contemporary practitioners.