Source Book in Jaina Philosophy

SR No.: 001263
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Devendramuni
Publisher: Tarak Guru Jain Granthalay
Publication Year: 1983
Total Pages: 590
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Philosophy
File Size: 10 MB

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A SOURCE-BOOK IN JAINA PHILOSOPHY
They can be mentioned in the following order 1-First Quadrangle : Ekoruk, Abhäşika, Längülika and Vaibhānika. Second: Hayakarṇa, Gajakarṇa, Gokarṇa and Śaşkulikarṇa. Third Adarśamukha, Meşamukha, Hayamukha, and Gajamukha. Fourth Asvamukha, Hastimukha, Simhamukha and Vyāghramukha. Fifth : Asvakarṇa, Siṁhakarṇa, Gajakarṇa and Karṇaprāvaraṇa. Sixth Ulkāmukha, Vidyunmukha, Jivhāmukha and Meghamukha. Seventh Ghanadanta, Gūḍhadanta, Śreṣṭhadanta and Śuddhadanta.
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In this way, there are twenty eight 'Antaradvīpas' in relation to the 'Sikhari' mountains, and the total of fifty six Antard īpas' (islands) can be mentioned. These are considered to be the places of habitation of human beings. Thus we find the Mid-universe (Madhyaloka) is vast and extensive. Still, compared with the vastness and extensiveness of the Upper Universe, and of the lower, the extension of the Mid-universe amounts to a negligible portions of the two, almost amounting to zero.
1.3
ADHOLOKA (THE LOWER PART OF THE UNIVERSE)
The part of the universe which is below the mid-universe is called 'Adho-loka' (the lower Universe). There are seven worlds, one below the other. They are known as seven 'Narakas' (hells). Mostly, the hell-beings reside in these worlds. The measurements of these seven worlds are not uniform. The lower ones are more extensive than the But they immediately preceding upper world in order of succession. are not very close to each other. They are separated by the thick coating of liquid, air, and space.1 Each world has below it the quantity of thick liquid, dense air, thin air and space."
The seven worlds of the nether region universe have been named as : i. Ratnaprabhā, 2. Sarkaräprabhā, 3. Balukāprabhā, 4. Pankaprabha, 5. Dhūmaprabha, 6. Tamaḥprabhā and 7. Mahātamaḥprabha. The suffix ‘prabhās' to each of the name connotes the characteristic colour of the place. Ratnaprabha has three parts and the upper part has the colour of ratna (diamond). It measures 16,000 It is covered by mud, and yojanas. Just below, is the second part. measures 48,000 yojanas. The third part below, is covered by water, and it measures 80,000 yojanas. Thus the total measurement of the
1 Tattvarthasūtra : 3, 1-2.
2 Sarvārthasiddhi 1 3, 1.