Parvatithina Satyani Shodhma - Book Summary

This Jain text, titled "Parvatithina Satyani Shodhma" (In Search of the Truth of Festival Dates) by Sanjay Kantilal Vora, published by Vitan Prakashan Thane, is a deep exploration into the complex and often contentious issue of determining the correct dates for Jain religious festivals, particularly focusing on the "Savantari" (a major Jain festival).

The book, through its detailed analysis of historical texts, astronomical principles, traditions, and the evolution of practices, aims to uncover the truth behind the discrepancies in festival observance that have plagued the Shwetambar Murtipujak Tapagach Jain Sangh for over a century.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and arguments presented in the text:

The Central Problem: The Tithi (Date) Dispute

Two Main Camps: The core of the problem lies in the division of the Tapagach community into two main factions:
- One-Tithi (Ek Tithi) Faction: This group adheres to a strict interpretation that only one Tithi (lunar day) is valid for any given day, rejecting any "Kshaya" (waning) or "Vruddhi" (waxing) of festival-related Tithis. They believe in adhering to the Tithi that is present at sunrise ("Udit Tithi").
- Two-Tithi (Be Tithi) Faction: This group accepts the concept of Tithi fluctuations (Kshaya and Vruddhi) as observed in astronomical calculations and aligns their observance with the Tithi that aligns with their interpretation of the scriptures, even if it means adjusting the perceived date.
The Savantari Example: The text highlights the Savantari festival as a prime example of this conflict. In Vikram Samvat 2055 (1998-99), one faction observed Savantari on Monday, September 13, 1999, based on the "Sanghamanya Janmabhoomi Panchang" (community-accepted Janmabhoomi almanac), while the other faction observed it on Tuesday, September 14, 1999, due to a different interpretation of the Tithis.

Historical Context and Evolution of the Dispute:

Ancient Practices: The book traces the origins of Jain practices, stating that in the time of Lord Mahavir, Savantari was observed on Bhadrava Sud Pancham (the fifth day of the bright half of Bhadrava month).
Shift to Chaturthi: It explains that approximately 993 years after Lord Mahavir's Nirvana, Acharya Kaliksuriji initiated the practice of observing Savantari on Bhadrava Sud Chaturthi (the fourth day). This became the accepted practice for the entire Jain Sangh.
Diversification: The text notes the fragmentation of Jainism into Digambaras, Sthanakvasis, and eventually, within the Shwetambar tradition, the split between the Achalgach and Tapagach.
The "Kshaya-Vruddhi" Debate: The primary source of the modern Tithi dispute is the interpretation of astronomical phenomena like Tithi Kshaya (waning of a lunar day) and Vruddhi (waxing of a lunar day) and their impact on festival observances. The text delves into the differing interpretations of ancient scriptures, particularly the "Kshaye Purva Tithihi Karya, Vruddhi Karya Tathottara" (In case of Kshaya, do it on the previous Tithi; in case of Vruddhi, do it on the subsequent Tithi) attributed to Acharya Umaswati.
The 19th Century Influence: The text points to the 19th century, a period of increased influence of "Yatis" (ascetic monks who accumulated wealth and possessions), as the time when extreme interpretations like "Tithi Kshaya-Vruddhi should not be accepted at all" began to gain traction. This period also saw divisions within the Tapagach itself.
The Role of "Yatis" and "Sanyami Sadhus": The book suggests that the ignorance of some "Yatis" and their desire to simplify matters for lay followers might have contributed to the hardening of these positions. The rise of influential figures like Muni Shri Saver Sagarji (later Acharya Sagaranandsurishwarji) and the subsequent schisms are discussed as significant factors.

Arguments and Interpretations:

One-Tithi vs. Two-Tithi Interpretations: The core of the debate revolves around how to handle the Tithis that span across sunrise or are truncated.
- The One-Tithi faction emphasizes the "Udit Tithi" (the Tithi present at sunrise) and strictly adheres to it, often by adjusting or ignoring the astronomical calculations of Kshaya and Vruddhi. They see Tithi fluctuations as an anomaly to be disregarded in favor of the sunrise Tithi.
- The Two-Tithi faction accepts the reality of Tithi fluctuations based on astronomical calculations and interprets the scriptures, particularly Acharya Umaswati's dictum, to mean that festival observances should align with the actual duration and presence of the Tithi, even if it means acknowledging "two Tithis" in a single day or adjusting the observance based on Kshaya or Vruddhi.
The Author's Stance: The author, Sanjay Kantilal Vora, clearly advocates for a scripturally-based and logically consistent approach, which seems to lean towards accepting the astronomical realities of Tithi fluctuations and interpreting the scriptures accordingly. He criticulates the rigid adherence to single interpretations and the perpetuation of historical errors.
The "Ego Problem": The author repeatedly suggests that the underlying issue is not solely based on scriptural interpretation but also involves "ego problems" and an unwillingness to admit past mistakes or compromise for the sake of unity.

Historical Attempts at Resolution and the Current Stalemate:

The 1943 Mediation: The text details a significant attempt at resolution in 1943 through mediation by Dr. P.L. Vaidya, with the agreement of Acharya Ramachandrasurishwarji and Acharya Sagaranandsurishwarji. However, this attempt failed due to Sagaranandsurishwarji's withdrawal and subsequent dissemination of counter-arguments.
The 1985 "Tithi Samadhan Pattak": Another significant attempt was made in 1985, resulting in a "Tithi Samadhan Pattak" (resolution document) signed by several prominent acharyas. This Pattak proposed a compromise solution that involved some adjustments to festival observances based on Tithi Vruddhi and Kshaya. However, the implementation of this Pattak faced significant opposition, particularly from those who adhered to the "no Kshaya-Vruddhi" principle.
The Matunga Incident: The book highlights a severe incident in Matunga, Mumbai, where the local Jain Sangh erected signs explicitly barring adherents of the "Two-Tithi" belief from using the Upashray and performing certain rituals, leading to legal battles. This incident symbolizes the deep divisions and animosity within the community.
The Current Situation: The author concludes that despite numerous attempts at reconciliation and compromise, the Tithi dispute persists, leading to fragmentation and the establishment of separate places of worship and observance by different factions.

Author's Plea:

The author expresses a strong desire for unity within the Tapagach. He calls for the abandonment of rigid stances and ego-driven interpretations, urging the community's leaders to prioritize the unity and well-being of the Jain Shasan over personal or factional pride. He believes that a willingness to engage in open, scripturally-backed discussions and compromises can resolve the issue, as evidenced by the near-success of past mediation efforts.

In essence, "Parvatithina Satyani Shodhma" is a critical historical and analytical work that dissects the complex Tithi dispute within the Tapagach Jain community, tracing its origins, exploring the various interpretations, and lamenting the lack of resolution despite several attempts. It serves as a call for introspection and a renewed commitment to scriptural accuracy and community unity.