Narchandra Jain Jyotish - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Narchandra Jain Jyotish," based on the provided catalog link and the text content from the pages.

Book Title: Narchandra Jain Jyotish (નરચંદ્ર જૈન જ્યોતિષ) Author(s): Not explicitly stated as an author, but the publisher is Anand Indu Pustakalaya, and the text refers to an "Acharya Narchandra" (આચાર્ય નરચંદ્ર). Publisher: Anand Indu Pustakalaya (આનંદ ઇન્દુ પુસ્તકાલય) Publication Year: 1913 (Samvant 1969) Edition: 1st Edition Print Run: 1000 copies Price: Rs. 1-4-0

Overall Summary:

"Narchandra Jain Jyotish" is a Jain astrological treatise that aims to compile and explain various aspects of Jyotish (astrology) based on Jain principles and traditions. The text is presented in Gujarati and is divided into two main parts, or "Kiran" (rays). The book is a significant work that attempts to provide a comprehensive guide to astrological calculations, auspicious timings, and their interpretations within the Jain context. The publisher, Anand Indu Pustakalaya, has taken the initiative to publish this work, making it accessible to the Jain community.

Key Features and Content:

1. Publisher's Note (Page 4): The publisher expresses their finding of an old manuscript from a library. After reading it, they realized the need for its translation into pure Gujarati. They approached several astrologers, but finally found Shri Parmanand RamPalji, a Marwadi astrologer residing in Rupnagar, who had extensive knowledge of astrology. He confirmed the necessity of a Gujarati translation, stating that this book covers all astrological texts and would be very beneficial. The publisher mentions the challenges faced, including the translator's limited Gujarati proficiency, which led to incorporating a Puranic from Vadasi with knowledge of Gujarati, Sanskrit, and Jyotish to improve the translation. They also note that some explanations might be brief due to the complexity of the subject and the late discovery of both parts of the text, which lacked Sanskrit commentaries or headings. The publisher acknowledges the help received from Jain Munishris and the valuable contribution of Shri Vadilal Kakubhai for proofreading.

2. Table of Contents (Pages 6-12): The table of contents is extensive, covering 137 topics in the first Kiran and 67 topics in the second Kiran, indicating a wide range of astrological subjects covered in the book. Some prominent topics include:

First Kiran (Volume 1):
- Consideration of Tithis (lunar days) and their auspiciousness.
- Calculation of Siddhi Yoga and Mrityu Yoga.
- Explanation of Surya Daghda and Chandra Daghda Tithis (Tithis afflicted by the Sun or Moon).
- Understanding Horas and Choghadias (day and night divisions for timing).
- Analysis of planetary positions, retrogression (Vakri), and their effects.
- Detailed explanations of Nakshatras (lunar mansions), their characteristics, and their use in activities.
- Various Yoga calculations (e.g., Kulika, Upakula, Kantak, Amrit Siddhi Yoga, Vajrapata Yoga).
- Consideration of Disha Shula (directionally inauspicious timings).
- Explanation of Yoginis and their influence.
- Discussion on Rahu, Ketu, and Surya Vasas.
- Muhurtas (auspicious timings) for various activities like marriage, housewarming, starting education, etc.
- Analysis of Kundalis and planetary strengths.
Second Kiran (Volume 2):
- Detailed analysis of the twelve Zodiac Signs (Rashis), their characteristics, and strengths.
- Planetary positions in different houses of the Kundali.
- Consideration of Gochara (transiting planets) and their effects.
- Ashtakavarga system and its application.
- Muhurtas for important events like deity installation, initiation, and housewarming.
- Udaya and Astha (rising and setting) of planets, especially Jupiter and Venus.
- Analysis of Shadvarga (six divisional charts) purity.
- Detailed explanation of Sankranti (solar ingress) and its effects.
- Consideration of Dipaman (duration of daylight).
- Various yogas and their analysis.
- Drik Shuddhi (aspect purity) and its importance.

3. Author's Intent and Scope: The book aims to provide a practical guide to astrology, covering a wide array of topics that would be essential for someone seeking to understand or practice Jain Jyotish. The inclusion of detailed tables, charts (Yantras), and explanations suggests a focus on making complex astrological concepts understandable to a broader audience. The publisher's effort to provide a clear Gujarati translation highlights their commitment to disseminating this knowledge within the Jain community.

4. Jain Context: While the text covers general astrological principles, it is presented within a Jain framework, likely referencing Jain scriptures and traditions where applicable. The specific inclusion of Jain Munishris' help and the overall focus on Jain Jyotish indicate this orientation.

5. Distribution: The book is available for purchase at the publisher's location in Surat, as well as through Jain Booksellers in Ahmedabad and other specified locations.

In essence, "Narchandra Jain Jyotish" is a comprehensive and foundational text on Jain astrology, compiled and translated with the intention of educating and guiding the Jain community in understanding and applying astrological knowledge for auspicious timings and life events.