Parvatithi Angeni Saral Sachi Ane Shastriya Samjan - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Parvatithi Angeni Saral Sachi ane Shastriya Samjan" by Prabhudas Bechardas Parekh, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Parvatithi Angeni Saral Sachi ane Shastriya Samjan (Simple Truth and Scientific Understanding of Observational Tithis) Author: Pandit Shri Prabhudas Bechardas Parekh (Described as a leading layman, scholar of Aryan culture, and devoted to Jainism) Publisher: Vardhaman Jain Pedhi, Palitana

Overview:

This book, published by Vardhaman Jain Pedhi, Palitana, addresses a complex and often debated topic within Jainism: the correct observance of Parvatithi (auspicious or festival tithis), particularly in cases of Kshaya (diminution) or Vruddhi (augmentation) of tithis. The book is presented as a scholarly and simple explanation of the scientific principles behind determining these important days.

Key Themes and Content:

Author's Dedication and Scholarly Acumen: The author, Pandit Prabhudas Bechardas Parekh, is highly esteemed. The introductory pages highlight his deep devotion to Jainism, his profound intellect gained through the uprooting of Darshan Mohaniya Karma, and his mastery of scriptures. The publisher encourages readers to study his work to gain insight into the Jain tradition.
Discovery of the Manuscript: The preface, written by Pujyapad Pandit Gurudev Shri Abhaysagariji M. Sa., recounts how he came across a handwritten article by Pandit Parekh titled "Purva Tithi: Kshyaye Vruddhi Haraya Tirottara" ("Previous Tithi: In Diminution, the Previous; in Augmentation, the Subsequent") and "Pramanik Arthani Disha" ("Direction of Authentic Meaning"). This discovery resolved a long-standing question about whether Pandit Parekh had addressed the topic of tithis, a subject the author of the preface felt was crucial to Jain practice. The manuscript was found in the library of Jain works at Jambudvip, Palitana, and its existence was later confirmed by Shri Arvindbhai Parekh.
The Central Question: "Kshaye Purva Tithi Karyaa, Vruddhau Karya Tatha Uttara": The core of the text revolves around understanding this Sanskrit aphorism, which translates to "In case of diminution, the previous tithi should be observed; in case of augmentation, the subsequent tithi should be observed." The initial part of the text immediately questions: Whose diminution? Whose augmentation? It clarifies that it refers to the diminution and augmentation of the tithi itself.
Defining Kshaya and Vruddhi of Tithis: The book delves into the practical meaning of these terms.
- Kshaya (Diminution): This refers to a tithi being "short" (less than 60 ghadi - a unit of time) or having a diminished presence. If a tithi is diminished, the preceding tithi is observed for the ritual.
- Vruddhi (Augmentation): This refers to a tithi being "long" (more than 60 ghadi) or appearing twice in consecutive days (a tithi spanning across sunrise on two days). If a tithi is augmented, the subsequent tithi is observed for the ritual.
The "Praghosha" (Mantra/Rule): The text introduces a key concept called "Praghosha" which is presented as a special rule or guiding principle for resolving confusion regarding tithis. It's stated that this Praghosha is specifically for the observance of Parvatithi (festival tithis).
Connecting Praghosha to Tithi Determination: The book explains how the Praghosha helps in determining the correct Parvatithi when Kshaya or Vruddhi occurs. The central idea is that Parvatithis must be kept intact and precise, without loss or duplication, ideally for the full duration of approximately 60 ghadi.
The Role of Udayamei Ja Tihi: The text frequently references the principle "Udayamei Ja Tihi" (the tithi present at sunrise is the considered tithi) as a general rule for determining any tithi, including festival tithis. However, it then explains how the Praghosha modifies or clarifies this rule in cases of Kshaya and Vruddhi of Parvatithis.
Practical Application and Interpretation:
- Kshaya: When a Parvatithi is diminished (a kshaya), the preceding aparva tithi (non-festival tithi) is used to make up the deficit. This effectively means the aparva tithi before the Parvatithi is considered "diminished" because it merges into the Parvatithi or is used to complete it. The text emphasizes that the Parvatithi itself is not actually lost; rather, the aparva tithi is the one affected by the calculation.
- Vruddhi: When a Parvatithi is augmented (appears twice), the second occurrence of the Parvatithi is treated as a full Parvatithi. The first occurrence, if it's shorter or overlaps with a preceding aparva tithi, might be considered diminished in its scope for calculations, making the second day the primary observance day. The text explains that the augmentation means one tithi is counted as two.
The Author's Personal Anecdotes: The preface includes personal anecdotes of the author's long-standing relationship with Pandit Parekh, highlighting his teaching methods, his dedication to Jain principles, and his keen insight into matters of faith and culture. These anecdotes serve to establish Pandit Parekh's authority and deep understanding of the subject.
The Significance of Parvatithi: The book stresses the importance of correctly observing Parvatithis, as they are central to Jain religious practices and rituals. The Praghosha is presented as essential for maintaining the integrity of these observances.
Focus on Bhava Niskhep (Conceptual Implication): The text highlights that the Praghosha primarily deals with the Bhava Niskhep (conceptual or essential implication) of tithis. It's about ensuring that the religious rituals associated with a specific Parvatithi are performed correctly and without ambiguity, even if astronomical or calendar calculations present challenges.
Rejection of Other Interpretations: The author explicitly states that the Praghosha is specifically for Parvatithis and does not apply to other auspicious days like Kalyanak days or Pratishtha dates. The focus is precise: ensuring each of the twelve major Parvatithis is observed as a complete, singular entity.

In essence, the book "Parvatithi Angeni Saral Sachi ane Shastriya Samjan" aims to demystify the complexities of determining festival tithis in Jainism, especially when astronomical factors lead to the diminution or augmentation of tithis. It presents a clear, rule-based approach, guided by the "Praghosha," to ensure that these important religious observances are performed accurately and faithfully according to the Jain tradition. The work is a testament to Pandit Parekh's scholarly contributions to Jain philosophy and practice.