What does Jain scripture say about our solar system in the second khamana of pratikraman?
Short answer Jain Pratikraman does not describe a “solar system” in the modern, scientific sense. In the second khamanā (Beejī Khamnā) of the traditional Śvetāmbara Pratikraman, the practitioner offers reverential salutation to the cosmic order—Mount Meru, Jambūdvīpa, the Sun (Sūrya), the Moon (Candra), planets (graha) and stars (tārā). This section reflects Jain cosmology, not heliocentric astronomy.
What that means in simple Jain terms
- The universe (loka) is beginningless and finite in extent; it is not created by anyone.
- In the middle world (Madhya‑loka) lies Jambūdvīpa with Mount Meru at its center. Around Meru move the Sun, Moon, planets and constellations.
- Day–night, months, seasons and years arise from the motions of these luminaries around Meru.
- The Sun and Moon are luminous celestial beings (jyotiṣka‑deva) that circle Meru at fixed paths and heights; they do not “rule” karma and are not worshipped as supreme.
- “Solar system” as a single star with orbiting planets is not a Jain scriptural category. Instead, Jain texts speak of Sūrya, Candra, the five visible planets (Budha, Śukra, Maṅgala, Guru, Śani) and eclipsors (Rāhu, Ketu) as part of the jyotiṣka realm, all described relative to Meru and Jambūdvīpa.
Scriptural basis (Jain-only)
- Śvetāmbara canon: Sūrya‑prajñapti and Candra‑prajñapti (Upāṅga texts) explain the motions of Sun and Moon, time divisions, eclipses, etc., within Jain cosmography.
- Digambara works like Trilokasāra and Tiloyapaṇṇatti present the same cosmological framework (Meru‑centered loka with jyotiṣkas moving in set courses).
Sect notes
- Śvetāmbara: The second khamanā of Pratikraman commonly includes praise/acknowledgment of Meru, Jambūdvīpa, Sun, Moon, planets and stars—expressing humility before the rightly ordered loka.
- Digambara: Daily pratikramaṇa paddhatis vary; even when the exact “second khamanā” format is not used, the same cosmology is taught in their standard texts. The doctrinal essence is the same in both traditions: Meru‑centered motions of jyotiṣkas and time‑keeping; no modern “solar system” doctrine.
If you would like an easy primer on Jain cosmology (Meru, Jambūdvīpa, etc.), see this overview: and a short note on Meru: