Painnay Suttai Part 3

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jyotiskarandaka" (part of Painnay Suttai, Part 3), as presented in the provided text.

Book Title: Painnay Suttai Part 3 Author(s): Muni Punyavijay (Editor), Pt. Amritlal Mohanlal Bhojak (Introduction, etc.) Publisher: Shri Mahavir Jaina Vidyalaya, Bombay Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/001046/1

Overall Summary:

The text is a critical edition and publication of the "Jyotiskarandaka," an ancient Jain text on astronomy and timekeeping, with a Prakrit commentary (Tippanaka) by Vacaka Sivanandi. The work is presented in the context of the larger Jaina Agama Granthamala series, emphasizing the importance of preserving and disseminating these sacred scriptures. The publication is dedicated to the memory of Muni Shri Punyavijayaji, who meticulously researched and prepared the manuscript.

Key Components and Content:

1. Editorial and Publishing Information:

   • The book is part of the Jaina Agama Series, No. 17 (Part III).
   • It is based on the "Jyotiskarandaka" by Sthavir Padaliptasuri, with a Prakrit Tippanaka by Vacaka Sivanandi.
   • The edition and publication are significant for providing the complete and corrected original text of Jyotiskarandaka.
   • The introduction and appendices are by Pt. Amritlal Mohanlal Bhojak, who worked closely with Muni Punyavijayaji.
   • The publication highlights the efforts of Shri Mahavira Jaina Vidyalaya in preserving and publishing Jain Agamas.
   • It acknowledges financial support from various Jain trusts and individuals.

2. Jyotiskarandaka - The Text:

   • Author: Identified as Acarya Padaliptasuri (around 467 Vira Nirvana Samvat, 1st century AD), though some scholars like Malayagiri attribute it differently. The text itself clarifies Padaliptasuri as the author.
   • Subject Matter: The treatise deals with astronomical concepts, including:
     • Time Measurement (Kala-mana): Various units of time measurement, including moments (samaya), breaths (ucchvasa-nihśvāsa), laps (lavamāna), and larger units.
     • Cosmology: Descriptions of celestial bodies like the Sun (Surya), Moon (Chandra), and constellations (Nakshatra), their movements, and their interrelationships. It details the measurements of various Jaina cosmological entities like Jambudvipa, its continents, mountains (Meru), and oceans.
     • Planetary Movements and Calculations: The text elaborates on the calculation of planetary positions, their conjunctions (yoga), and their relative speeds. It explains how to determine their movements within celestial circles (mandala).
     • Cycles of Time: The work discusses long astronomical cycles, including the Yuga and its subdivisions, and the concept of ascending and descending eras (utsarpini and avasarpini).
     • Astronomical Phenomena: It details phenomena like equinoxes (vishuva), the concept of intercalary months (adhikmasa) to synchronize lunar and solar calendars, and the calculation of lunar days (tithi).
     • Jyotishkarandaka's significance: The text is considered important for understanding ancient Indian astronomy, particularly in its relation to the "Vedanga Jyotisha." It is mentioned that Jain texts like Suryaprajñapti and Jyotiskarandaka were instrumental in deciphering the "Vedanga Jyotisha."

3. Tippanaka (Prakrit Commentary) by Sivanandi Vacaka:

   • The commentary is described as a "Tippanaka" rather than a full "Vrtti" by the editor, as its composition doesn't fully align with the typical style of a Vrtti.
   • It is noted for preserving archaic Prakrit linguistic usages, providing valuable data for linguistic study.
   • The author, Sivanandi Vacaka, is believed to have a close temporal proximity to Padaliptasuri, possibly indicating he was a Brahmin before becoming a monk.

4. Introduction (Prastavana) by Pt. Amritlal Mohanlal Bhojak:

   • Highlights the importance of the Jyotiskarandaka in Indian astrology and Jain literature.
   • Discusses the lineage of scholars involved in the text, including Malayagiri and Punyavijayaji.
   • Draws attention to scholarly debates regarding the author of the Jyotiskarandaka and its commentary.
   • Mentions the historical context and the need for accurate research in ancient Jain literature, referencing a letter by Shri B.R. Kulkarni regarding the complexity of "Vedanga Jyotisha" and the role of Jain texts in its interpretation.
   • Provides a detailed comparison with earlier printed versions and highlights corrections made in this edition.
   • Includes an exhaustive index (Grathanukrama) and errata (Suddhipatrakam).

5. Appendices (Parishishta):

   • Include indices of various terms and concepts mentioned in the text, such as the index of "Jyotiskarandaka Gathas" and a "Glossary of Special Terms."

6. Linguistic and Scholarly Significance:

   • The text is a significant contribution to the study of ancient Jain astronomy and Prakrit language.
   • The detailed explanations and comparative notes by the editor and introductory writer provide insights into the astronomical systems and linguistic evolution.
   • The publication reflects a deep commitment to scholarly rigor and the preservation of Jain heritage.

In essence, this publication is a vital academic resource for scholars of Jain Agamas, ancient Indian astronomy, and Prakrit linguistics, offering a meticulously edited and annotated version of a significant historical text.