Parvtithi Prakash Timir Bhaskar

The book Parvatithi Prakash Timir Bhaskar ( पर्वतिथि प्रकाश तिमिर भास्कर), authored by Trailokya and published by Motichand Dipchand Thania, is a Jain religious text primarily focused on resolving complex issues related to Tithi (lunar day) observance, especially concerning festivals (Parva Tithis). The catalog link provided (https://jainqq.org/explore/034996/1) suggests it's a significant work within Jain literature, possibly a commentary or a detailed exposition on this subject.

Based on the provided pages, the book aims to clarify the proper day for observing Jain festivals, which can become confusing due to the phenomena of Kshay (diminution) and Vriddhi (augmentation) of lunar days.

Here's a summary of the key points and themes from the provided pages:

1. Purpose and Scope:

• The book addresses the complexities of Tithi observance for festivals, stating that the subject is clearer than often perceived.
• It serves as a critical translation and commentary on the work "Shree Tattvatarangini" (श्री तत्त्वतरंगिणी) by Mahopadhyaya Shri Dharmsagarji Ganin, aiming to provide lucid and beneficial knowledge to all age groups.
• The author highlights that some individuals, misinterpreting or misrepresenting texts like "Shree Tattvantarangini," have spread confusion by promoting incorrect views on Tithi observance, particularly regarding Kshay and Vriddhi. The book aims to counter these erroneous notions and establish the correct understanding based on scriptures and tradition.

2. Central Argument and Refutation of Misconceptions:

• The core issue addressed is how to observe a festival Tithi when its Tithi spans across two solar days due to Kshay (where a Tithi is shorter than usual) or Vriddhi (where a Tithi is longer than usual).
• The book strongly refutes the idea that if a festival Tithi (like Poornima or Amavasya) is diminished (Kshay), the preceding Tithi (like Chaturdashi) should not be diminished or augmented. It also refutes the idea that if there is augmentation, the preceding Tithi should not be augmented.
• It champions the principle of Avichhinn Parampara (unbroken tradition) and scriptural injunctions, asserting that these are the true guides.
• The author specifically targets and refutes interpretations that claim that in case of Kshay of a festival Tithi, the previous non-festival Tithi should not be affected, and if there is Vriddhi, the previous non-festival Tithi should not be augmented. The book argues this leads to incorrect Tithi observance and breaks the established tradition.
• The text emphasizes that the Udaya Tithi (the Tithi that rises with the sun) is crucial for religious observance and corrects the practice of altering the Udaya Tithi based on Kshay-Vriddhi in a way that contradicts established norms.

3. Scholarly Debate and Scriptural Authority:

• The book engages in a scholarly debate, presenting scriptural evidence and arguments to support its position. It references texts like "Shree Tattvantarangini," and mentions the views of revered Jain Acharyas like Shri Sagarānand Sūriśvarji and Shri Kshamasagarji.
• It specifically discusses interpretations of verses and their commentaries from scriptures, highlighting how some individuals distort these to support their new, incorrect theories. For instance, it refers to a commentary on a verse that allegedly justifies observing the previous Tithi even when the current one is diminished, and the book aims to debunk this.
• The author points to a decisive decree (Pattak - पट्ठक) from Shri Vijaydevsūriśvarji Mahārājśri of the Shri Tapagacch, which clarifies that in case of Poornima Kshay, Chaturdashi should be observed. This is presented as a significant piece of evidence to support the correct tradition.

4. Character and Mission of the Author/Predecessors:

• The introductory sections provide a biography of the author's spiritual lineage, particularly highlighting the life and achievements of Upadhyaya Shri Kshamasagarji Mahārājśri. His dedication to Jain Agamas, his spiritual purity, and his role in upholding Jain traditions are praised.
• The author's work is presented as a humble effort undertaken under the guidance and blessings of his revered Guru, Upadhyaya Shri Kshamasagarji, even though the Guru attained salvation before the book's publication.
• The author's motive is to benefit the Jain community by clarifying these important religious matters and dispelling the confusion sown by erroneous interpretations.

5. Language and Presentation:

• The book is written in a clear and accessible language, aiming to provide deep knowledge of the scriptural boundaries (shastramaryada) and the unbroken tradition.
• It is presented in a narrative style, making it engaging and informative for a broad audience.
• The book includes a Shuddhipatraka (शुद्धिपत्रक - errata) to correct any printing or typographical errors, demonstrating a commitment to accuracy.

6. Key Concepts Discussed:

• Tithi: The lunar day, a fundamental element in calculating Jain religious observances.
• Parva Tithi: Festival Tithis, which are central to the discussion.
• Kshay: The diminution of a Tithi, where it lasts for a shorter period.
• Vriddhi: The augmentation of a Tithi, where it lasts for a longer period.
• Udaya Tithi: The Tithi that is present at sunrise, often considered significant for observance.
• Avichhinn Parampara: The unbroken tradition of Jain teachings and practices.
• Shastramaryada: The rules and boundaries set by Jain scriptures.
• Abhav: Absence or lack.
• Upādhyāya: A high-ranking Jain monk title.
• Ganin: Another high-ranking Jain monk title.

In essence, Parvatithi Prakash Timir Bhaskar is a scholarly and traditionalist work aimed at re-establishing the correct understanding of Jain festival observance in the face of doctrinal disputes and misinterpretations. It champions adherence to scriptures and unbroken tradition, refuting new theories that deviate from these principles.