Jain Journal 1984 01

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 14

JANUARY, 1984
8
183
1
lo
n=183 solar mandalas. NPD of the outermost mandala = 2-3 n Y ojanas +44820 y
= 510 Y+44820 y =Numerically 45330 y......
..................(5) (as given)
The mystery of intermingling Y (Yojana, TP unit) and y (ätma yojana, ADS unit) in the computation of NPD of solar mandala as depicted in eq. No. (5) will be resolved in due time as we come to this point later. The proof of pudding lies in eating.
Now it is tout a fait in the vicinity of thought that Jaina concept of mandala (diurnal circle) implies a notion of NPD of solar mandala or of Sun occupying that particular mandala. Thus notice of declination (complement of NPD) is also implied therein, though irrespective of the position of the equator.
Total variation of declination = Total variation of NPD
= 510 Y........ ...............(6) One may ponder over the non-algebraic character of this concept of declination i.e. the declination does not increase on both sides of the equator. This is de facto attributable to the development of Jaina peculiar notion of flat earth by virtue of which exponents of Jaina School of astronomy remained aloof from developing any notion like that of equator. Their theory of ever increasing (or decreasing) NPD of the solar mandalas (Sun's diurnal circles) in Sun's southern course (or northern course) might have probably led them develop their tentative model of flat earth but in due time Jainas became so convinced of the use of their notion of flat earth in explaining their cosmic view points that they failed to take up the problem of variation of NPD de novo. Thus the notion of equator might have escaped their attention.
Now let us probe into the rationale of distribution of solar mandalas (Sun's diurnal circles) between Jambudvipa and the Lavanasamudra.
Let
N, = Number of solar mandalas in Jambudvipa
= 65 = 119
N, = Number of solar mandalas in Lavanasamudra
Di = North-south stretch of solar mandalas in
Jambudvipa
= 180 Y