Tapagachhiya Tithi Pranalika Ek Tithi Paksh - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tapagachhiya Tithi Pranalika Ek Tithi Paksh" by Vijayanandansuri, based on the provided pages:

The book, "Tapagachhiya Tithi Pranalika Ek Tithi Paksh" (A Unified Day System of the Tapagachha Tradition: One Day Aspect) by Vijayanandansuri, edited by Panyas Suryodayvijay Ganiji, addresses a crucial aspect of Jain religious practice: the accurate observance of auspicious dates (tithis). The author emphasizes that while calendars provide precise times for tithis, the actual observance and the underlying principles of how tithis are celebrated in Jain rituals are often not fully understood. The text aims to clarify these practices according to the traditions of the Tapagachha lineage.

Core Principles and Traditional Practices:

The Importance of Tithi: The text reiterates that tithis are central to all ritualistic observances and that understanding their proper application is essential for correct worship.
Distinction Between Paryushana Tithis (Pava Tithis) and Non-Paryushana Tithis (Apava Tithis): A fundamental distinction is made between "Pava Tithis" (auspicious or festival tithis) and "Apava Tithis" (non-festival tithis).
- Pava Tithis: The text identifies twelve primary Pava Tithis: Pratipada (1st day), Beej (2nd), Panchami (5th), Ashtami (8th), Ekadashi (11th), Chaturdashi (14th), and Purnima (Full Moon) & Amavasya (New Moon), for both the bright (Shukla) and dark (Krishna) fortnights.
- The Rule for Pava Tithis: The core principle for these twelve Pava Tithis is that their decay or increase (kshaya or vridhi) does not occur in religious observance. If the secular calendar shows a decay or increase in these Pava Tithis, a non-Pava Tithi is observed instead.
- Kalyanak Tithis: While Kalyanak Tithis (anniversaries of significant events in the lives of Tirthankaras) are considered auspicious, they are not treated the same as the twelve Pava Tithis. If a Kalyanak Tithi experiences decay or increase in the secular calendar, the same decay or increase is maintained in observance. No substitute tithi is used for Kalyanak Tithis. This is because Kalyanak Tithis are considered "Naimittik Pava Tithis" (occasional auspicious tithis) as opposed to the twelve "Nitya Pava Tithis" (perpetual auspicious tithis).

Handling Decay (Kshaya) of Tithis in Observance:

The text details how to handle the decay of various tithis in observance, following the rule "Kshaye Purvam" (in case of decay, observe the previous one):

Pratipada (1st): If Pratipada decays, it's observed on Beej. Basant Ritu or Basant Maas is also counted on Beej.
Beej (2nd): If Beej decays, Pratipada is considered to have decayed. Both are observed on Beej.
Tritiya (3rd): If Tritiya decays, the subsequent day (Chaturthi) is also considered. Tritiya and Chaturthi are observed together on Chaturthi.
Chaturthi (4th): If Chaturthi decays, it's observed with Tritiya on Tritiya.
Panchami (5th): If Panchami decays, Chaturthi is observed with Tritiya on Tritiya.
Shashti (6th): If Shashti decays, it is observed with Saptami on Saptami. For example, the Chyavan Kalyanaka of Lord Mahavir, which falls on Shashti, is observed on Saptami if Shashti decays.
Saptami (7th): If Saptami decays, it is observed with Shashti on Shashti.
Ashtami (8th): If Ashtami decays, Saptami is observed with Shashti on Shashti.
Navami (9th): If Navami decays, it is observed with Dashami on Dashami.
Dashami (10th): If Dashami decays, it is observed with Navami on Navami. The birth Kalyanaka of Lord Parshvanath, which occurs on Navami and Dashami, is observed on Navami if Dashami decays.
Ekadashi (11th): If Ekadashi decays, Dashami is observed with Navami on Navami.
Dwadashi (12th): If Dwadashi decays, it is observed with Trayodashi on Trayodashi.
Trayodashi (13th): If Trayodashi decays, it is observed with Dwadashi on Dwadashi.
Chaturdashi (14th): If Chaturdashi decays, Trayodashi is observed with Dwadashi on Dwadashi. The birth Kalyanaka of Lord Mahavir, which falls on Chaturdashi, is observed on Trayodashi if Chaturdashi decays.
Purnima/Amavasya (15th/30th): If Purnima or Amavasya decays, Trayodashi is observed with Dwadashi on Dwadashi. No two tithis (like Chaturdashi-Purnima or Chaturdashi-Amavasya) are combined.

Handling Increase (Vridhi) of Tithis in Observance:

The text also explains how to handle the increase of tithis, following the rule "Vriddhau Uttar" (in case of increase, observe the subsequent one):

Pratipada (1st): If Pratipada increases (two Pratiapadas), the observance is on the second Pratipada.
Beej (2nd): If Beej increases, two Pratipadas are observed.
Tritiya (3rd): If Tritiya increases, the observance is on the second Tritiya.
Chaturthi (4th): If Chaturthi increases, it is observed.
Panchami (5th): If Panchami increases, two Chaturthis are observed, and the observance is on the first Panchami, treating it as the second Chaturthi. This is particularly relevant for Samvatsari, where if Panchami increases, the observance is held on the first Panchami, treated as the second Chaturthi.
Shashti (6th): If Shashti increases, the observance is on the second Shashti.
Saptami (7th): If Saptami increases, the observance is on the second Saptami.
Ashtami (8th): If Ashtami increases, two Saptamis are observed, and the observance is on the first Ashtami, treated as the second Saptami.
Navami (9th): If Navami increases, the observance is on the second Navami.
Dashami (10th): If Dashami increases, the observance is on the second Dashami.
Ekadashi (11th): If Ekadashi increases, two Dashamis are observed, and the observance is on the second Dashami. For example, the Kevalgyan Kalyanaka of Lord Mahavir, which falls on Ekadashi, might be observed on the second Dashami if Ekadashi increases.
Dwadashi (12th): If Dwadashi increases, the observance is on the second Dwadashi.
Trayodashi (13th): If Trayodashi increases, the observance is on the second Trayodashi.
Chaturdashi (14th): If Chaturdashi increases, two Trayodashis are observed, and the observance is on the second Trayodashi. The birth Kalyanaka of Lord Mahavir is observed on the second Trayodashi if Chaturdashi increases.
Purnima/Amavasya (15th/30th): If Purnima or Amavasya increases, two Trayodashis are observed, and the observance is on the second Trayodashi. The observance of Chaturdashi itself is done on the first Purnima/Amavasya, treated as the second Chaturthi.

The Authority of the Tradition:

The author strongly asserts that the practices described are in accordance with the ancient traditions of the Tapagachha, particularly referencing the practices at the Upashrayas of Dhella and Lavar ni Pol in Ahmedabad. This tradition, established by Acharya Vijaydevsuriji and even predating him, has been consistently followed by the entire Tapagachha Sangha across India. The text dismisses any claims that these practices are a result of later corruption or laxity among monks.

Addressing Disagreements and Ensuring Unity:

The book also touches upon historical debates and differing viewpoints within the Tapagachha regarding tithi observances, particularly concerning the Samvatsari festival. The author defends the traditional practice of observing the sixth day's decay (Shashti's decay) instead of the fifth day's (Panchami's decay) when Panchami is absent from the calendar. This is presented as essential for maintaining the purity of the tradition and ensuring unity within the Sangha. The author urges adherence to the established practices of the revered elders, emphasizing that deviations lead to discord.

Key Takeaways:

Strict adherence to the twelve Pava Tithis is paramount. Their decay or increase does not alter their observance; instead, a substitute tithi is used.
Kalyanak Tithis are observed as they are, even if they decay or increase.
The established practices of the Tapagachha, originating from ancient Upashrayas, are the correct and authoritative way to observe tithis.
Unity within the Sangha is achieved by following these traditional practices, especially regarding important festivals like Samvatsari.
The text emphasizes that the "auspiciousness" (audayikta) of a tithi, not its duration, is the determining factor for observance.

In essence, "Tapagachhiya Tithi Pranalika Ek Tithi Paksh" serves as a definitive guide for the Tapagachha community to ensure the correct and uniform observance of Jain tithis, safeguarding the integrity of their religious practices and preserving the legacy of their tradition.