Sambodhi 1978 Vol 07

SR No.: 520757
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Dalsukh Malvania, H C Bhayani, Nagin J Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1978
Total Pages: 358
Language: English, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Gujarati
Classification: Magazine, India_Sambodhi, & India
File Size: 9 MB

Page 93

ZODIACAL CIRCUMFERENCE AŚ GRADUATED IN
JAINA ASTRONOMY Sajjan Singh Lishk and S.D. Sharma
Abstract Lunar zodiac of the Rig-Vedic Hindus consisted of 27 nakşatras' (asterisms). Jainas first measured zodiacal stretches of nakşatras (asterisms) into time degrees and included Abhijit (a Lyrae) nakşatra (asterism) to account for the discrepancy in lunar motion. A simple probe is rendered into a series of developments of graduating zodiacal circumference into 27 days (time degrees) of a nakşatra month (lunar sidereal revolution) and subsequently into 819-27 muhurtas (1 muhūrta = 48 minutes) of a nakpatra month, 54900 muhurtas of a 5 year cycle and 360 saura days (one saura day equals the time taken by the sun to move on 1/360th part of zodiacal circle) finally leading to the development of equal amplitude system of nakșatras when Abhijit (« Lyrae) was again dropped with the advent of Siddhāntic Astronomy. It is to be emphasised that these evolutionary developments of zodiacal divison are peculiar to pre-Aryabhatiyan Indian astronomy and are entirely free from any Greek or Babylonian influences.
Introduction
Here it would be worthy of introduction that Jainas had a peculiar theory of two Suns and two Moons and two sets of nakşatras (asterisms). Here we need not enter into whatever may be the mystery of the real and counter bodies existent in Jaina Prakrit texts, China, Greece, and ancient Babylon but one will find that actually a single set of nakşatras (asterisms) constituted the lunar zodiac of Jainas.5
Theory 1. Zodiacal stretch =ZS) of every nakşatra (asterism) has been expressed in time-units called muhurtas (1 muharta=48 minutes). In this context Jambadvipa Prajñapti =(JP) 9.8 states as :
"Abhijit combines with Moon for 9 27 muhurtas (1). Šatabhișa, Bharani, Ādrā, Âśleşa, Svāti and Jyeșthā (6 nakșatras) combine (with Moon) for 15 muhurtas each (2). Three Uttarās, Punarvasu, Rohiņi and Visakha