Tithinirnay - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tithinirnay" by Ramchandra Jha, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Tithinirnay (तिथिनिर्णयः) Author: Mahamahopadhyaya Shri Rajnath (known as Raje) Mishra (as the original author) Editor: Pandit Ramchandra Jha, Vyakarancharya Publisher: Chaukhamba Vidyabhavan, Varanasi Series: Mithila-Granthamala, 33rd Publication

Overall Purpose and Context:

The book "Tithinirnay" is a detailed treatise on determining the correct timing of various religious observances, festivals, and rituals, particularly in the context of Jainism, though it draws from broader Hindu Dharma Shastric traditions. The editor, Ramchandra Jha, highlights the common issue of "tithi-dvaidh" (dilemma regarding the correct day for a specific tithi) in Mithila and aims to resolve these ambiguities using established scriptural authorities and logical reasoning. The work emphasizes the distinction between vratanirnay (decision regarding fasts) and tithinirnay (decision regarding the tithi itself), noting that while Puranas often detail specific fasts, the precise timing is crucial and often debated.

Key Themes and Content:

The book systematically analyzes the determination of tithis and their implications for various religious acts, covering a wide range of specific festivals and observances. Here's a breakdown of the core concepts and the tithis discussed:

The Nature of Tithi: The text begins by defining "tithi" not just as a period of time but as a specific phase of the moon's illumination, linked to the interplay of the sun and moon. It draws upon astronomical texts like the Surya Siddhanta and religious texts like the Vishnu Purana and Vishnu Dharmottara to explain the celestial basis of tithis.
The Concept of Viddha and Shuddha Tithis: A significant portion of the work deals with the classification of tithis as shuddha (pure) and viddha (tainted or mixed).
- Shuddha Tithi: Defined as a tithi that prevails for a full 60 nadikas (a unit of time) from sunrise.
- Viddha Tithi: Described as a tithi that is mixed with another tithi. The text elaborates on different types of viddha (khorva, darpa, himsa), indicating how tithis can be diminished or augmented.
- The concept of yugma (pairing) and asamyukta (unpaired) tithis is crucial, guiding how to decide when a tithi is mixed with the preceding or succeeding one.
Principles of Tithi Determination (Nirnay): The book outlines several key principles and rules for determining the correct tithi for observances:
- Sammukhi Tithi: The tithi that prevails in the afternoon (sayahna) is often preferred for certain rituals.
- Udaya Gamini Tithi: The tithi that is present at sunrise is generally considered important for many observances.
- Yugma Vidhi: When a tithi spans two days, rules like the "yugma" principle (e.g., linking specific tithis based on numerical pairings from ancient texts) are applied to decide which day to observe the ritual.
- Pradhanya (Primacy): The primary ritual or the most significant part of a festival dictates which tithi to follow. For instance, the actual worship or observance (e.g., midnight worship for Shivaratri) takes precedence.
- Laghava (Simplicity/Preference for Less Complex Rules): In cases of conflict or ambiguity, simpler interpretations or rules are sometimes favored.
- Vyavastha (Arrangement/System): The text often establishes a systematic way to handle conflicting rules, sometimes by contextualizing them to specific occasions or types of rituals.
- Pithika (Citations): The editor frequently cites various Purana texts, Smritis, and pronouncements of respected scholars (like Paithinas, Gargacharya, Vashishtha, Narada, Katyayana, etc.) to support the conclusions.
Specific Tithi Analysis: The book provides detailed discussions on how to resolve tithi dilemmas for numerous specific days of the lunar month, often relating to significant Jain or Hindu festivals:
- Pratipad (1st Tithi): Discusses issues related to Go-krida (cow play) and the importance of avoiding tithis mixed with Amavasya for certain observances.
- Dwitiya (2nd Tithi): Analyzes the Yamadvitiya (Bhai Dooj) and the importance of sisterly affection and gifts. It also touches upon the "Ashunya Shayana" vrata.
- Tritiya (3rd Tithi): Focuses on Akshaya Tritiya (Yugadi) and the Ramba vrata, discussing the importance of udaya gamini and avoiding tithis mixed with Dwitiya for Ramba vrata.
- Chaturthi (4th Tithi): Deals with Ganesh Chaturthi and the importance of avoiding tithis mixed with Tritiya (Matri Viddha) and the specific rules regarding moon sighting on this day.
- Panchami (5th Tithi): Discusses Naga Panchami and its observance, with specific rules for when it's mixed with Shasthi or Chaturthi. It also mentions Rishi Panchami.
- Shasthi (6th Tithi): Analyzes Skanda Shasthi, Pratihar Shasthi, and Van Shasthi, discussing when to follow the preceding or succeeding tithi. It highlights the importance of the bilva (wood apple) tree in some Shasthi observances.
- Saptami (7th Tithi): Discusses its relation to Shasthi and Ashtami, especially concerning the entry of the patrika (religious effigy or banner) during festivals like Durga Puja.
- Ashtami (8th Tithi): A significant focus is on Krishna Janmashtami, detailing the importance of Rohini Nakshatra, the concept of Jayanti, and rules for fasting and parana (breaking the fast). It also discusses Lakshmi Vrata and Jeevitputrika Vrata.
- Navami (9th Tithi): Explores Mahanavami and its connection to Durga Puja, the significance of the Moola nakshatra, and rules for worship and bali dana (offering).
- Dashami (10th Tithi): Focuses on Vijaya Dashami, the importance of the afternoon for rituals like Seemalanghan (crossing borders) and the worship of Aparajita.
- Ekadashi (11th Tithi): Details the rules for observing Ekadashi fasts, the importance of not being mixed with Dashami (Dashami Viddha), and the criteria for breaking the fast on Dwadashi.
- Dwadashi (12th Tithi): Discusses the observance of Dwadashi, its connection with Ekadashi, and specific days like Govinda Dwadashi.
- Trayodashi (13th Tithi): Covers rituals related to Trayodashi, including Kamaviddha Trayodashi and its significance, as well as Mahavaruni and its auspicious timing.
- Chaturdashi (14th Tithi): A detailed section on Shivaratri, discussing the importance of the night (Pradosh, Nishitha) and the rules for observance when the tithi spans two days. It also addresses the timing of rituals on Mahashivaratri.
- Amavasya (New Moon): Discusses the significance of Amavasya for Lakshmi Puja (Diwali), the importance of Pradosh period for worship, and rules concerning the night (Nishitha) for specific pujas like Shyama Puja. It also covers rules for ancestral rites (Shraddha) on Amavasya.
- Purnima (Full Moon): Focuses on Holi, discussing the importance of the evening and Pradosh for Holika Dahan, and the issues with Bhadra (an inauspicious period) during its observance. It also mentions Shravani Purnima and Bhadrapada Purnima.
Editor's Foreword: Pandit Ramchandra Jha's preface is crucial. He explains the complexity of tithinirnay in Mithila, where traditions differ. He criticizes the practice of some Panchang makers in Mithila who don't adhere strictly to established rules, leading to confusion. He expresses his desire for a dedicated book on Mithila's festival timings and notes that this work by Mahamahopadhyaya Raje Mishra aims to provide clarity, distinguishing between tithinirnay and vratanirnay. He is reassured by Mishra's intention to publish works on vratanirnay, shuddhinirnay, and teerthanirnay as well.

Significance:

"Tithinirnay" serves as a scholarly guide for resolving complex calendrical and ritualistic disputes. By meticulously analyzing scriptural evidence, astronomical principles, and established practices, the work aims to bring uniformity and accuracy to the observance of religious duties, particularly for the Jain community and broader traditional followers in Mithila and beyond. It highlights the intellectual rigor required in Dharma Shastra and provides a valuable resource for scholars, priests, and devout individuals.