Tapagacchiy Tithi Pranalika - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tapagacchiy Tithi Pranalika" by Nandansuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Tapagacchiy Tithi Pranalika (The Tradition of Tithi (Lunar Days) of the Tapagaccha)

Author: Vijaynandan Suri

Publisher: Babulal Lalbhai Shah

Core Purpose: The book aims to clarify the correct tradition and methodology for observing Tithis (lunar days) in Jain religious practices, particularly within the Tapagaccha tradition. It emphasizes the importance of accurate Tithi understanding for proper religious observance and aims to provide this understanding for the welfare of both the author and the readers.

Key Arguments and Principles:

Primacy of Tithi in Rituals: The text begins by asserting that Tithi is fundamental to all Jain rituals and observances. While Panchangas (almanacs) provide detailed timings, the book focuses on the authenticity of the Tithi for worship and observance.
Traditional Authority (Parampara): The author stresses that this understanding of Tithi authenticity is derived from an unbroken tradition (Parampara) which is considered akin to a scripture (Agam) and has been consistently followed. This tradition is considered scientifically sound and continuous.
The Twelve Sacred Tithis (Parva Tithis): The book identifies twelve specific Tithis as "Parva Tithis" (sacred or festive days). These are: Beej (2nd day), Pancham (5th day), Ashtam (8th day), Ekadash (11th day), Chaudash (14th day), Purnam (Full Moon), and Amas (New Moon) – specifically mentioning seven pairs, totaling twelve days.
Handling Tithi Fluctuations (Kshaya-Vriddhi):
- Parva Tithis: A crucial principle is that the twelve Parva Tithis are never combined or skipped due to fluctuations (Kshaya - loss, Vriddhi - increase) in the Panchanga. When a Parva Tithi is missing or doubled in the almanac, the observance is shifted to the non-Parva Tithi (Apra Tithi) that is affected.
- Apra Tithis: Conversely, when non-Parva Tithis fluctuate, their observance is adjusted within the Panchanga's structure.
- Combining Tithis: The text explicitly states that Parva Tithis are not combined with other Parva Tithis. Instead, Apra Tithis are adjusted.
Kalyanak Tithis vs. Parva Tithis:
- Kalyanak Tithis (anniversaries of significant events in the lives of Tirthankaras) are considered sacred but are treated differently from the twelve core Parva Tithis.
- If a Kalyanak Tithi fluctuates in the Panchanga, the observance is done according to that fluctuation without replacing it with another Tithi. This is because Kalyanak Tithis are "Naimittika Parva Tithis" (occasional sacred days), whereas the twelve are "Nitya Parva Tithis" (perpetual sacred days).
Specific Rules for Tithi Fluctuations (Kshaya - Loss): The book provides detailed rules for various Tithis when they are lost (Kshaya):
- Ekum (1st): If lost, observance is done on Beej (2nd).
- Beej (2nd): If lost, observance of both Ekum and Beej is done on Beej.
- Trij (3rd): If lost, Trij and Chaturthi (4th) are combined and observed on the day after Beej. Trij's anniversary is also observed on this combined day.
- Chaturthi (4th): If lost, it's combined with Trij and observed on Trij.
- Pancham (5th): If lost, Chaturthi is observed on Pancham.
- Shashthi (6th): If lost, it's combined with Saptam (7th) and observed on the day after Pancham. This is significant for events like the Chevan Kalyanak of Lord Mahavir.
- Saptam (7th): If lost, it's observed on the day of Ashtam (8th).
- Ashtam (8th): If lost, Saptam is observed on Ashtam.
- Navam (9th): If lost, it's observed on Dasham (10th).
- Dasham (10th): If lost, it's combined with Navam and observed on Navam. This applies to events like Lord Parshvanath's birth anniversary.
- Dwadash (12th): If lost, it's observed on Trayodash (13th).
- Trayodash (13th): If lost, it's combined with Dwadash and observed on Dwadash.
- Chaturdash (14th): If lost, Trayodash is combined with Chaturdash and observed on Chaturdash. Crucially, Lord Mahavir's birth anniversary (when Chaturdash is lost) is observed on Dwadash by combining it with Trayodash.
- Purnam/Amas (15th/New Moon): If lost, Trayodash is observed on Chaturdash, and Chaturdash is observed on Purnam/Amas.
Specific Rules for Tithi Fluctuations (Vriddhi - Increase): The book also details how to handle Tithis when they increase:
- Ekum (1st): If there are two Ekums, the observance is on the second Ekum.
- Beej (2nd): If there are two Beejs, the second Beej is observed on the first Beej day as an "audayiki" (present) Ekum, while the actual Beej observance happens on the second Beej.
- Trij (3rd): If there are two Trij, the observance is on the second Trij.
- Chaturthi (4th): If there are two Chaturthi, both are observed.
- Pancham (5th): If there are two Pancham, two Chaturthi are observed, with the second Chaturthi being observed on the first Pancham. This is important for Samvatsari (the main annual fast).
- Shashthi (6th): If there are two Shashthi, the observance is on the second Shashthi.
- Saptam (7th): If there are two Saptam, the observance is on the second Saptam.
- Ashtam (8th): If there are two Ashtam, two Saptam are observed, with the second Saptam observed on the first Ashtam.
- Navam (9th): If there are two Navam, the observance is on the second Navam.
- Dasham (10th): If there are two Dasham, the observance is on the second Dasham. This is for the Poosh Dashami observance.
- Ekadash (11th): If there are two Ekadash, two Dasham are observed, with the second Dasham observed on the first Ekadash. This is also relevant for Kalyanak observances.
- Dwadash (12th): If there are two Dwadash, the observance is on the second Dwadash.
- Trayodash (13th): If there are two Trayodash, the observance is on the second Trayodash.
- Chaturdash (14th): If there are two Chaturdash, two Trayodash are observed, with the second Trayodash observed on the first Chaturdash. This highlights how Kalyanak events can be observed on a Tithi other than the one listed in the Panchanga if there's a fluctuation.
- Purnam/Amas (15th/New Moon): If there are two Purnam/Amas, two Trayodash are observed, with the second Trayodash observed on the first Purnam/Amas. The actual Purnam/Amas observance happens on the second Purnam/Amas.
Samvatsari: The text pays particular attention to the observance of Samvatsari, emphasizing that it should be observed according to the established tradition, often on the fourth day (Chaturthi) when there are fluctuations in the Pancham (5th day), to maintain the continuity and significance of the fast. The book cites historical instances and debates regarding its observance.
Reconciliation and Tradition: The author acknowledges potential differences in opinion but firmly upholds the tradition as established by respected Acharyas like Vijaydev Suriji. The text expresses a desire for unity within the community and invites dialogue based on scriptural evidence and tradition.
Historical Context and Authority: The book refers to the authority of revered Gurus and the established practices of specific Upashrayas (Jain monastic quarters) like Dhelana and Lavar Ni Pol in Ahmedabad, which are considered the standard for the Tapagaccha community. It also mentions historical debates and decisions concerning Tithi observance.

Overall Message: "Tapagacchiy Tithi Pranalika" serves as a guide for the Tapagaccha Jain community, providing a clear and authoritative framework for observing lunar days in religious practices. It prioritizes adherence to ancient traditions and scriptural injunctions over simplistic interpretations of Panchangas, ensuring that the sanctity and accuracy of Jain rituals are maintained. The book is a testament to the importance of lineage and consistent practice within Jainism.