Vyavahar Ratnam - Book Summary

The provided text is the table of contents and initial pages of "Vyavahar Ratnam" (व्यवहार-रत्नम्), a Jain text compiled by Bhanunath Sharma. Based on the scanned pages, here's a comprehensive summary of its content and purpose:

Book Title: Vyavahar Ratnam (व्यवहार-रत्नम्) - Gem of Practical Conduct/Behavior Author: Bhanunath Sharma (भानुनाथ शर्मा), a scholar from Mithila. Publisher: Kanhaiyalal Krushnadas (कन्हैयालाल कृष्णदास) Year of Publication: Vikram Samvat 1974 (सम्वत् १९७४) Value: 10 Annas (१० आना)

Overall Purpose:

"Vyavahar Ratnam" is a compendium of practical guidance, primarily rooted in Vedic astrology (Jyotisha), for performing various daily activities, ceremonies, and important life events correctly and auspiciously. It aims to provide clear, accessible, and beneficial advice for people to conduct their lives in accordance with established traditions and astrological principles. The book is written in Sanskrit with explanations and corrections by Pt. Shri Mukund Sharma.

Key Themes and Content:

The book is meticulously organized into several chapters (Prakarana - प्रकरण), each focusing on specific aspects of life and their auspicious timings and procedures. The table of contents reveals the following major sections:

1. Upadesha Prakarana (उपदेशप्रकरणम् - Chapter on Guidance/Instruction):

Masa Bheda (मासभेद): Different types of months.
Karya Bhedena Mum Jñana (कार्यभेदेन मम ज्ञान): My knowledge according to the type of action.
Tithi Shana (तिथि शान): Lords of the Tithis (lunar days).
Tithi Vishesh Sangya (तिथीनां विशेषसंज्ञा): Special designations of Tithis.
Siddha Yoga (सिद्घियोगाः): Auspicious yogas (planetary combinations).
Nindya Yoga (निन्द्ययोगाः): Inauspicious yogas.
Dagdha Atithi (दग्धातिथिः): "Burnt" Tithis (inauspicious Tithis).
Bhadra Vichara (भद्राविचार): Considerations regarding Bhadra (an inauspicious astrological period).
Chandravasthitirashi Nisheshena Bhadravasthiti (चन्द्रावस्थितराशिनिशेपेण भद्रावस्थिति): The position of Bhadra based on the Moon's Rashi.
Nakshatra Swami Vichara (नक्षत्रस्वामिविचार): Lords of the Nakshatras (lunar mansions).
Nakshatra Vishesh Sangya (नक्षत्राणां विशेषसंज्ञा): Special designations of Nakshatras (e.g., Char, Sthir, Laghu, Mridu).
Tara Vichara (ताराविचार): Considerations of planetary "stars" (likely referring to the Janma Tara system).
Dushta Tara Shanti (दुष्टताराशांति): Remedies for inauspicious stars.
Chandravasthiti Vichara (चन्द्रावस्थितिविचार): The Moon's position.
Meṣādi Samjñāntara (मेषादीनां संझान्तर): Other names/classifications of Rashis (zodiac signs).
Chandra Anayana (चन्द्रानयन): Calculation of the Moon's position.
Nishiddha Chandra Shanti (निषिद्धचन्द्रस्य शान्ति): Pacification for forbidden Moon positions.
Ghata Chandra (घातचन्द्रा): "Afflicted" Moon positions and related remedies.
Vara Vichara (वारविचार): Consideration of weekdays and their significations.
Praharardha Vichara (प्रहरार्द्ध विचार): Considerations regarding parts of a Prahar (a period of 3 hours).
Dina Ku Yoga (दिनकुयोग): Inauspicious yogas for the day.
Samaya Shuddhi (समयाशुद्धि): Purity of time (auspicious timings).
Manvadi-Yugadi Vichara (मन्वादि-युगादिविचार): Considerations of Manvantaras and Yuga beginnings.
Utpata Vichara (उत्पातविचार): Considerations of omens and portents.

2. Griharambhadiprakarana (गृहारम्भादिप्रकरणम् - Chapter on House Construction and Related Matters):

Vastu Bhumi Jñana (वास्तुभूमिज्ञान): Knowledge of architectural land.
Rashi Vasasthana (राशीनां वासस्थान): Dwelling places of Rashis.
Grama Vaser Dhara Upadhara Jñana (ग्रामवासे धारोपधारज्ञान): Knowledge of primary and secondary aspects in village dwelling.
Nama Rashi Gram Rashi Vichara (नामराशितोग्रामराशिविचार): Consideration of the name Rashi and village Rashi.
Grama Chakra Vichara (ग्रामचक्रविचार): The "village circle."
Grama Namnor Varga Vichara (ग्रामनाम्रोर्वर्गविचार): Consideration of the "varga" (class or category) of village names.
Griharambhe Masa Vichara (गृहारम्भे मासविचार): Consideration of months for starting house construction.
Paksha Shuddhi (पक्षशुदि): Purity of the lunar fortnight.
Tithi Shuddhi (तिथिशुद्धि): Purity of Tithis.
Nakshatra Vichara (नक्षत्रविचार): Consideration of Nakshatras.
Griharambhe Vara Vichara (गृहोरम्भे वारविचार): Consideration of weekdays for house construction.
Yoga Shuddhi (योगशुद्धि): Purity of Yogas.
Druma Nidhana (दारुनिधान): Placement of wood (possibly for construction).
Dvara Nirmana Vichara (द्वारनिर्माणविचार): Considerations for door construction.
Griha Shilpaadi Kriya Vichara (गृहेशिल्पादि क्रियाविचार): Considerations for house construction and related activities.
Vastu Vichara (वास्तुविचार): Architectural considerations.
Griha Praveshe Vichara (गृहप्रवेशे विचार): Considerations for housewarming.
Sthapana Vidhi (स्थापनविधि): Installation procedures (e.g., of deities).
Shubhashubha Vruksha (शुभाशुभवृक्षकथन): Auspicious and inauspicious trees near the house.

3. Krushyadi Prakarana (कृष्यादिप्रकरणम् - Chapter on Agriculture and Related Matters):

Sasyaropana (सस्यरोपण): Sowing seeds.
Navanna Bhakshana Vichara (नवान्नभक्षणविचार): Consumption of new grains.
Dhanyadi Mardana Sthana Vichara (धान्यादिमईनस्थानविचार): Place for grinding grains.
Medhi Sthapana Vichara (मेढिस्थापनविचार): Installation of a pillar or stake.
Beeja Rakshana Divasa (बीजरक्षणदिवस): Days for protecting seeds.
Dhanyadi Sthapana (धान्यादिस्थापन): Placing grains and other items.
Dhanya Nishkashana Vichara (धान्यनिष्काशन विचार): Taking out grains.
Vruddhyartha Dhanyadi Prakshepa Dina (वृद्धयर्थधान्यादिप्रक्षेपदिन): Days for adding grains for growth.
Dhanyadi Mulya Jñana (धान्यादिमूल्यज्ञान): Knowledge of grain prices.
Kraya Vikraya Vichara (क्रयविक्रयविचार): Considerations for buying and selling.
Runa Dana Aadaana Prayoga Divasa (ऋणदानाऽऽदानप्रयोगदिवस): Days for giving and taking loans.
Gavām Kraya Vikraya (गवां क्रयविक्रयादिविचार): Buying and selling of cows.
Vājīnām Kraya Vikraya (वाजिनां क्रयविक्रयदिवस): Buying and selling of horses.
Ashvadi Yana Arohona (अश्वादियानारोहणदिवस): Days for riding horses and other vehicles.
Mantra Grahaṇa Samaya (मन्त्रग्रहणसमय): Time for receiving mantras.
Nakshatra Shuddhi (नक्षत्रशुद्धि): Purity of Nakshatras for various activities.
Maitri Karana Divasa (मैत्रीकरणदिवसमाह): Day for making friendships.

4. Vivahadi Prakarana (विवाहादिप्रकरणम् - Chapter on Marriage and Related Matters):

Pani Grahaṇa (Vivaha) Samaya (पाणिग्रहण (विवाह) समय): Time for marriage (Pani Grahan).
Vadhū Pravesha Vichara (वधूप्रवेशविचार): Considerations for the bride's entry into the groom's home.
Navīna Shayyā Arohona Divasa (नवीन शय्याद्यारोहण दिवस): Day for ascending new beds.
Vastra Prakshalana Vichara (वस्त्रप्रक्षालनविचार): Consideration for washing clothes.
Tailabhyaṅga Vichara (तैलाभ्यङ्गविचार): Considerations for oil application (massage).
Pumsaṁ Vastra Dhāraṇa Divasa (पुंसां वस्त्रधारणदिवस): Days for men to wear clothes.
Strīṇāṁ Vastra Paridhāna Divasa (स्त्रीणां वस्त्रपरिधानदिवस): Days for women to wear clothes.
Sūcī Karma Divasa (सूचीकर्मदिवस): Day for needlework.
Strīṇāṁ Kēśabandhana Divasa (स्त्रीणांकेशवन्धनदिवसमाह): Days for women to tie their hair.
Ādyarajatōdarśana Phalā (आद्यरजोदर्शनेमासादिफल): Effects of the first menstruation based on month, etc.
Garbhadhāna Vichara (गर्भाधान विचार): Considerations for conception.
Pumsvana (पुंसवन): Pumsvana ceremony (a ritual for the well-being of the fetus).

5. Samskara Prakarana (संस्कारप्रकरणम् - Chapter on Samskaras - Life Cycle Rituals):

Sīmantakarma (सीमन्तकर्म): Simantonnayana ceremony (another ritual for the fetus).
Sūtikā Gṛha Nirmāṇa Praveśa Kāla (सूतिकागृहनिर्माणप्रवेशकालावाह): Time for entering the postpartum confinement room.
Śiśōḥ Mātuḥ Stanapāna Divasa (शिशोर्मातुःस्तनपानदिवसमाह): Days for the mother to breastfeed.
Śiśūnām Pālanāśayana Divasa (शिशूनां पाळनाशयनदिवसमाह): Days for the child's care and rest.
Śiśōḥ Nāmkaraṇam (शिशोर्नापकरणम्): Naming ceremony for the child.
Dōlā Aārohōṇa (दोलाद्यारोहण): First ride in a cradle.
Tāmbūla Dāna Divasa (ताम्बूलदानदिवसमाह): Day for giving betel leaves.
Śiśunā Bhūmyupavēśanam (शिशुनांभूम्युपवेशनम्): Child sitting on the ground for the first time.
Anna Prāśanam (अन्नप्राशन): First solid food ceremony.
Śiśōrādyakṣaura (शिशोराद्यक्षौर): First haircut for the child.
Akṣarārambha (अक्षरारम्भ): Beginning of education (alphabet learning).
Upanayanam (उपनयन): Upanayana ceremony (sacred thread ceremony).
Vrātya Kāla Vichara (व्रात्यकालविचार): Consideration of the period when one becomes a Vratya (one who has not undergone Upanayana).
Guru Shuddhi (गुरु शुद्धि): Purity of Jupiter.
Ravi Shuddhi (रविशुद्धिविचार): Purity of the Sun.
Masa Shuddhi (मासशुद्धि): Purity of months.
Vidyārambha (विद्यारम्भ): Beginning of learning.
Dhanur Vidyārambha (धनुर्विद्यारम्भ): Beginning of archery training.
Rājābhiṣēka (गजाभिषेक): Royal coronation (though "Gaja" implies elephant, this might be a typo for Raja or a specific ritual).

6. Yātrā Prakaraṇa (यात्राप्रकरणम् - Chapter on Journeys):

Masa Shuddhi (मास शुद्धि): Purity of months for travel.
Tithi Shuddhi (तिथिशुद्धि): Purity of Tithis for travel.
Nakshatra Shuddhi (नक्षत्रशुद्धि): Purity of Nakshatras for travel.
Vara Shuddhi (वारशुद्धि): Purity of weekdays for travel.
Ānandaādi Yoga Vichara (आनन्दादियोगविचार): Consideration of Ānanda and other yogas for travel.
Yogini Vichara (योगिनी विचार): Consideration of Yoginis (deities associated with directions and time).
Rāhu Vichara (राहुविचार): Considerations of Rahu's position and its effects on travel.
Śakuna (शकुनाः): Auspicious omens.
Apaśakuna (अपशकुनाः): Inauspicious omens.
Naukāyāna (नौकायान): Travel by boat.
Nṛpa Darśana (नृपदर्शन): Meeting royalty.
Paradēśa Gatasya Āgamana Samaya (परदेशगस्यागमनसमय): Time of arrival of someone from a foreign land.

7. Gṛhāgamanaādi Prakaraṇa (गृहागमनादिप्रकरणम् - Chapter on Returning Home and Related Matters):

Puṣkaraṇyādi Khanana Divasa (पुष्करण्यादिखननदिवसमाह): Days for digging wells and tanks.
Dēvatā Ghaṭṭana Muhūrta (देवताघट्टनमुहूर्त्त): Auspicious moments for installing deities.
Dēvatā Tāḍāgādi Pratiṣṭhā (देवतडागादिप्रतिष्ठा): Consecration of temples, ponds, etc.
Gōchara Vichara (गोचरविचार): Planetary transits.
Rōgōtpattau Kḷēśa Divasa Vichara (रोगोत्पत्तौ क्लेशदिवस विचार): Days of distress when diseases arise.
Niśchit Nidhana Kāraka Yōga (निश्चितनिधनकारकयोगाः): Yogas that definitively cause death.
Bhaiṣajyārambha Divasa (भैषज्यारम्भदिवसमाह): Days to start medical treatment.

Appendix (Vyavahar Ratna Parishishta - व्यवहाररत्नपरिशिष्ट):

Dina Namani (दिननामानि): Names of days (weekdays).
Tithi Namani (तिथिननामानि): Names of Tithis.
Nakshatra Namani (नक्षत्रनामानि): Names of Nakshatras.
Nakshatra Swarūpam (नक्षत्रस्वरूपम्): Forms/characteristics of Nakshatras.
Yoga Namani (योगनामानि): Names of Yogas.
Rashi Namani (राशिनामानि): Names of Rashis.
Shata Pada Chakra (शतपदचक्र): A diagram or table related to Nakshatras.
Janma Nakshatra Jñana (जन्मनक्षत्रज्ञान): Knowing one's birth Nakshatra.
Chandra Vasthiti (चन्द्रावस्थिति): Moon's position.
Dukshat Chandradi Shanti (दुष्टचन्द्रादिशान्ति): Remedies for afflicted Moon.
Amrita Yoga (अमृतयोग): Amrita Yogas (highly auspicious yogas).
Shubha Yoga (शुभयोग): Auspicious Yogas.
Ashubha Yoga (अशुभयोग): Inauspicious Yogas.
Yama Daṣṭrā (यमदंष्ट्रा): Yama Daṣṭrā (a specific inauspicious yoga).
Lagna Yoga (लग्नयोगाः): Lagnas (ascendants) and their yogas.
Vara Phal (वारफल): Effects of weekdays.
Adhomukha Nakshatra (अधोमुखनक्षत्राणि): Downward-facing Nakshatras.
Urdhvāmukha Nakshatra (योर्ध्वमुखनक्षत्राणि): Upward-facing Nakshatras.
Tiryanga Mukha Nakshatra (तिर्यमुखनक्षत्राणि): Sideways-facing Nakshatras.
Vara Velā (वारवेला): Time periods within a day associated with weekdays.
Kālavelā (कालवेला): Auspicious or inauspicious time periods.

Author's Background:

The preface mentions that Bhanunath Sharma was the son of Nandan Sharma, a great scholar from Mithila. He was a skilled astronomer and composer, known for several other works like "Vijganit Tika," "Aryasaptashati Tika," "Prabhavati Haran Natika," "Shri Kuladevata Paddhati," and "Vatavan." He passed away in Vikram Samvat 1295. The book was published by the "Shri Rameshwar Yantralaya" under the encouragement of its proprietor.

Jain Context:

While the title and its compiler's origin (Mithila) suggest a broader Vedic/Hindu astrological context, the reference to "Jain Education International" and its placement within a Jain resource portal indicates a strong connection to Jain traditions or that the text is considered relevant or adaptable for Jain practitioners. The summary of topics aligns with traditional astrology, which is often integrated into the understanding and practice of auspicious timings within Jainism.

In essence, "Vyavahar Ratnam" is a practical guide drawing heavily from astrological principles to help individuals navigate various life events and activities with auspiciousness and success.