Vyavahar Ratnam

"Vyavahar Ratnam" by Bhanunath is a comprehensive Jain text on practical aspects of life guided by astrological principles and traditional customs. The book is a compilation of various auspicious timings and practices for different life events and activities.

Here's a summary of the key topics covered, based on the provided pages:

Introduction and Author's Intent:

• The book is dedicated to Shri Mahavirain.
• It is compiled by Bhanunath, a respected scholar from the Mithila region.
• Bhanunath felt a need for a practical guide that reconciles religious and astrological knowledge for the benefit of all, especially in the context of daily life and important rituals.
• The work was reviewed, commented upon, and corrected by scholars like Sadashiv Jha and Jayakant Jha.

Core Concepts and Astrological Foundations:

• Time Measurement: The text discusses the four types of calendars: Solar (Saura), Luni-solar (Savana), Nakshatra (Sidereal), and Lunar (Chandra). It explains their usage in different contexts like marriages, sacrifices, and rituals.
• Tithis (Lunar Days) and their Lords: It lists the deities presiding over each lunar day and their special names (Nanda, Bhadra, Jaya, Rikta, Purna).
• Yoga: The text describes auspicious (Siddha) and inauspicious (Nindya) yogas formed by the combination of days and tithis, providing guidance on their suitability for various activities.
• Dagdha Tithi (Burnt Tithi): It identifies specific tithis in certain zodiac signs that are considered inauspicious for good deeds.
• Bhadra Vichar (Consideration of Bhadra): A detailed section is dedicated to understanding the nature, duration, and influence of Bhadra, including its effects in different realms (heaven, earth, netherworld) and its specific timings.
• Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions): It lists the lords of the Nakshatras and categorizes them based on their nature (Chara - movable, Sthira - fixed, Ugra/Daruna - fierce, Laghu/Kshipta - light/swift, Mridu/Maitra - gentle/friendly, Mishra - mixed). This categorization is crucial for determining auspicious times for actions.
• Tara (Star) Calculation: It explains the concept of Tara and its auspiciousness based on the birth star, including remedies for inauspicious Tara.
• Chandra (Moon) Position and Influence: The text details the auspiciousness of the Moon's position in different zodiac signs and its color, as well as remedies for an inauspicious Moon.
• Dasha (Planetary Periods) and Planetary Influences: While not explicitly detailed in all sections, the general influence of planets on various events is considered.
• Graha Lords and Directions: It outlines the planetary lords of directions and their auspiciousness.
• Time Periods and their Significance: The text discusses auspicious and inauspicious times within a day (Prahara) and specific periods like Yugadi, Manvadi, and Sankranti, advising avoidance during these times for auspicious deeds.
• Specific Events and Auspicious Timings: The book provides guidance on selecting auspicious times for a wide range of activities, including:
  • Home and Construction: Vastu Shastra principles, selecting land, house construction start, foundation laying, door placement, and home entry.
  • Agriculture and Trade: Ploughing, sowing, harvesting, selling grains, buying and selling cattle and horses, and opening shops.
  • Personal Life Events: Naming ceremonies, childhood rituals, marriage, pregnancy-related rituals (Garbhadhan, Pumsavan, Simantonnayan), childbirth, infant care (bathing, feeding, naming), and more.
  • Religious and Spiritual Practices: Mantra initiation (Deeksha).
  • Travel and Journeys: Planning journeys, auspicious directions, and avoiding inauspicious timings.
  • Other Activities: Wearing new clothes, jewelry, hair styling, oil application, and even elephant tusk cutting.

Key Principles and Advice:

• Avoidance of Inauspiciousness: A significant portion of the text focuses on identifying and avoiding inauspicious days, tithis, yogas, Nakshatras, and planetary combinations.
• Remedies and Pacification: Where inauspicious influences are unavoidable, the text often suggests remedies (Shanti) to mitigate negative effects.
• Regional Customs: The author acknowledges and incorporates regional customs, particularly those prevalent in Mithila.
• General Well-being: The ultimate aim of all these guidelines is to ensure prosperity, happiness, health, and the fulfillment of desires.

Structure and Content: The book appears to be systematically organized, with chapters (Prakarana) covering different aspects of life and their astrological considerations. The index at the end confirms the breadth of topics covered, from basic astrological concepts to specific life events and rituals. The text uses Sanskrit verses, often with explanations and commentaries.

In essence, "Vyavahar Ratnam" serves as a detailed manual for Jain householders, providing them with the astrological and traditional wisdom needed to navigate their lives auspiciously and harmoniously.