Jaganmohanlal Pandita Sadhuwad Granth

Author(s): Sudarshanlal Jain
Publisher: Jaganmohanlal Shastri Sadhuwad Samiti Jabalpur

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Similarities Between Jaina Astronomy and Vcdanga Jyotisa
PP's
the Greek epicyclic theory is also indicative of non-assimilation of any Greek influence upon Jaina School of astronomy. Thus any claims about Western influences upon the Jaina astronomical system are quite, of course, questionable.
In the light of these investigations, the idea that Siddhantic astronomy had in toto been borrowed from the Greeks is rightly questionable. Such an idea was de facto the product of a spontaneous jump from Vedanga Jyotisa to Siddhantic astronomy. Certain peculiarities between Vedanga Jyotisa and Paitamaha Siddhanta such as five-year cycle, beginning of five-year cycle from the conjunction of sun and moon at the first point of Dhanistha (Beta Delphini) and ratio of greatest and shortest lengths of daylight etc. have been misleading as regards the use of Vedic astronomical system (Vedanga Jyotisa) upto the epoch of Paitamaha Siddhanta (A. D. 80) when the vedic astronomical system underwent a radical change with the emergence of Siddhantic astronomy. It may also be noted that Paitamaha Siddhanta (system of Paitamaha) of Varahamihira's Pancasiddhantika (five systems) represents Indian astronomy as not yet influenced by Greeks and in this respect it belongs to the same category as Jyotisa Vedanga, Surya prajnapti and similar works. The present author (JAINA ASTRONOMY' published by Vidya Sagar Publications, B-5/263, Yamuna Vihar, Delhi-110053, 1987) has tried to clarify several links in unearthing the systematic emergence of ancient Indian astronomy right from Vedanga Jyotisa to Siddhantic astronomy. Still more revelations are due to corroborate the role of Jaina School of astronomy in the development of Aryabhata and other Siddhantic Schools of astronomy. FURTHER SCOPE OF WORK
There is an ample scope of further research work in this field. Some other Jaina non-canonical works like Tiloyasara, Jyotisa Karandaka and Bhadrabahu Samhita etc. remain as the unlimited sources of astronomical data for some more investigations into the so-called dark period in the history of ancient Indian astronomy. Bhadrabahu Samhita alone has ample data regarding planetary kinematical studies like those of mercury, mars and jupiter etc. The study of these texts would unravel some mysteries of Jaina astronomical system. Some new vistas of research are also open, e. g., a critical study of achievements of the contemporary Buddhistic School of astronomy is of an utmost importance. It is suggested that a project should be started to study the process of export of Indian calendaric systems in other countries with the spread of Buddhism. The present day tradition of celebration of Vega (Abhijit or alpha lyrae) star function among the Japanese highlights the scope of any such possibilities of export of some Jaina astronomical notions also along with the spread of Buddhism. Some contacts as pointed out by B. N. Puri (Jainism in Mathura in the early centuries of the Christian Era, Srimahavira Jaina Vidyalay Golden Jubilee Volume, p. 157, 1968) established between Jaina saints and foreigners some of whom may have bean attracted to Jainology in the early centuries of Christian era, also need a through investigation. An exhaustive study, "Jaina astronomy", has paved the way for execution of each types of research programmes which would lead on completion to brighten the dark period (post-Vedanga pre-Siddhantic period) in the history of ancient Indian astronomy.