Panchang Parivartan

This Jain text, "Panchang Parivartan" by Shilchandrasuri, details a significant period of discussion and eventual resolution regarding the Jain calendar and the observance of Paryushan and Samvatsari. The narrative focuses on the efforts to achieve unity within the Tapa Gaccha sect, particularly concerning the "Panchang" (almanac) and the dates of key festivals.

Key events and developments described in the text:

• Post-Conference Disagreements: Following a "Panchang Parivartan Sammelan" (Almanac Change Conference), there was a resumption of written correspondence and debates between different factions. Some individuals within the community were dissatisfied with this continuous exchange, including Shri Vijayanandansuri ji, who expressed his disapproval of rushing into responses without proper contemplation of the opposing side's arguments and intentions.

• The "Bar Parv-tithi" Issue: A new development emerged with a proposal to change the traditional "Bar Parv-tithi" (twelve festival dates). This was a strategic move, as the upcoming Samvatsari was a sensitive issue. A new faction represented only about 15% of the community, while the older faction held 85%. If the new faction were to observe Samvatsari on a different date, it would be seen as a cause of disunity, mirroring the disagreements surrounding the 2014 conference. This potential division was meant to be avoided by proposing a calendar change. However, this move was deemed a "dussahas" (reckless act) by the text, and internal pressures within the opposing faction prevented it from proceeding. This led to internal friction regarding the "tithi-prashna" (date question).

• Acharya Vijaypremsuri's Initiative: In response to these divisions, Acharya Vijaypremsuri ji proposed a new idea to change the "S dvara-many Panchang" (community-accepted almanac) for the sake of unity. He was prepared to go on a fast to ensure that the "Bar Parv" was not abandoned and that Wednesday would be accepted.

• Communication with Shri Vijayanandansuri ji: Pandit Shri Mafatlal Zaverchand informed Shri Vijayanandansuri ji about Acharya Vijaypremsuri's proposal. The core of the proposal was to adopt the "Janmabhumi Pratyaksh Panchang" (local direct almanac) and observe Samvatsari on a Tuesday. Acharya Vijaypremsuri intended to gather key Acharyas in Ahmedabad and request them to accept the direct almanac and observe Samvatsari on Tuesday. If Ramchandrasuri ji did not agree, Acharya Vijaypremsuri was ready to use fasting or even leave his company to achieve this unity. The decision was ultimately left to Shri Vijayanandansuri ji. A similar letter was sent by Shri Punyavijay ji.

• Shri Vijayanandansuri ji's Response and Stance: In his reply, Shri Vijayanandansuri ji advised against getting involved in Acharya Vijaypremsuri's "Mangalwar ki bhandagol" (Tuesday's new complication). He insisted that the "Bar Parv-tithi" tradition of four Acharyas (Siddhisuri ji, Labdhisuri ji, Premsuri ji, and Ramchandrasuri ji) should be accepted in writing before participating in any such discussions. He believed there was no need to change the almanac for the opposing side, as their own faction had already decided to observe Samvatsari on Tuesday. He felt it was inappropriate to abandon the universally accepted "Chandu Panchang" and adopt a new one acceptable only within the Tapa Gaccha. He stated that if the opposing side publicly abandoned the "Bar Parv-tithi" tradition, then any matter could be considered, but as it stood, there was no reason to deviate from the common almanac for their sake.

• Kasturbhai Lalbhai's Intervention: Influenced by the repeated provocations from the opposing faction and at the suggestion of leading lay followers in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, Seth Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai took responsibility for resolving the issue on behalf of the Shree Sangh. He met with various Acharyas, proposing a solution for both the "Bar Tithi" and Samvatsari. Ultimately, the decision was made to leave the "Bar Tithi" issue for the future and focus on achieving unity for Samvatsari. The proposal to change the "S dvara-many Chandu Panchang" was presented to all Acharyas.

• Acceptance of the New Panchang: The opposing faction readily accepted this proposal. The Acharyas of Shri Vijayanandansuri's faction also agreed, considering that Seth Kasturbhai had taken the lead and that it was for the sake of Sangh unity. They set aside their strong personal convictions to agree.

• Formal Resolution: On Thursday, August 7, 1958, Seth Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai convened a meeting of the Shree Sangh and passed a unanimous resolution. The resolution stated that the Shree Jain Shwetambar Murti Pujak Tapa Gaccha Shree Sangh, which had been using the Chandashu Chandu Panchang, would now adopt the "Janmabhumi Pratyaksh Panchang" as decided by the Tapa Gaccha Acharyas. The Shree Rajnagar Jain Shwetambar Murti Pujak Tapa Gaccha Shree Sangh declared that it would henceforth act according to this resolution.

• Outcome and Celebration: This resolution brought immediate peace and tranquility to the Tapa Gaccha Shree Sangh. The entire Sangh observed one Paryushan and one Samvatsari. Shri Punyavijay ji and Seth Shri Kasturbhai expressed their joy and satisfaction at this outcome, highlighting the peace and happiness that spread throughout the Jain community due to the unified observance of this major festival.

In essence, the text chronicles a period of internal debate and negotiation within the Jain community, specifically the Tapa Gaccha, leading to a crucial decision to adopt a new almanac and synchronize the observance of Samvatsari, thereby achieving much-needed unity. The role of key figures like Shri Vijayanandansuri ji, Acharya Vijaypremsuri ji, and particularly the influential lay leader Seth Kasturbhai Lalbhai, is central to this narrative of reconciliation.