Pacchakan Samay Darshika 2012 Madurai

This document is a Jain astrological almanac, specifically a "Pachchakan Samay Darshika 2012 Madurai," authored by Ajaysagar. It primarily provides detailed daily timings for astronomical events and religious observances relevant to the Jain faith.

The core of the document consists of tables listing daily data for the months of January through December. For each day of the month, the following information is presented for Madurai:

• Sunrise (सूर्यो): The time of sunrise.
• Sunset (सूर्यास्त): The time of sunset.
• Nav-Porasi (नव-पोरसी): This likely refers to the time for the first "Porasi," a period significant in Jain fasting and rituals, likely related to the Porshi fast.
• Day Porasi (दय कारसी): Another timing related to the Porasi period.
• Sadha (साड्ढ): This column might indicate a specific lunar day or a period within the month.
• Puri (पुरी): This could be related to a specific type of religious observance or a measure of time.
• Avadh (अवड्ढ): Another time-related designation.
• Morning (सुबह की): This section includes further time breakdowns, likely for daily rituals or activities.
• Evening (शाम की): Similar to the morning section, providing more specific timings.
• Dighadi (दोघडी): This likely refers to a unit of time in ancient Indian calendrical systems (e.g., a ghadi is approximately 24 minutes). The table breaks this down into two ghadi intervals.
• Charghadi (चारघडी): Four ghadi intervals.
• Chhahghadi (छाघडी): Six ghadi intervals.

The times are given in hours and minutes (घं-मि). The tables are meticulously detailed, providing these timings for each day of the year for the location of Madurai.

Key Observations and Interpretations:

• Astronomical Data: The sunrise and sunset times show a clear progression throughout the year, reflecting the changing daylight hours in Madurai.
• Jain Religious Significance: The inclusion of "Porasi" and other time designations like "Dighadi" indicates the almanac's purpose is to guide Jain practitioners in their daily spiritual routines, particularly concerning fasting (Upvas) and other observances. The precise timings would allow for accurate adherence to these practices.
• Predictive Nature: While the core is astronomical, such almanacs often have a predictive element, guiding devotees on auspicious days and times for various religious activities.
• Location Specificity: The data is specific to Madurai, highlighting the regional nature of such astrological and religious guides.
• Philosophical Quotes: The document includes short philosophical quotes in Hindi on pages 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. These quotes are often related to knowledge, motherly guidance, death, and the nature of religion and dharma, reflecting the spiritual and philosophical underpinnings of Jainism. For example:
  • "Reading everyone knows, but what to read is known by very few."
  • "Education starts at the mother's feet."
  • "Death is terrible."
  • "Dharma is solitary and pure."
  • "Death is life-ending."
  • "Dharma is beneficial to all beings in all ways."
  • "Death is coming again and again."
  • "Dharma is served by great men."
  • "Death is a guarantee."
  • "Dharma is faultless."
  • "Death is a pleasing thing."
  • "Dharma is the cause of supreme bliss."

In essence, this document serves as a practical guide for Jain followers in Madurai, integrating astronomical precision with the requirements of their religious practices and incorporating wise spiritual sayings.