Concept of Divinity in Jainism

SR No.: 001637
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: P Ajay Kothari
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy
Publication Year: 2000
Total Pages: 248
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Religion, & Devotion
File Size: 15 MB

Page 154

3. Jyotisska: Jyotishka Devds (Stellar) are called Jyotishka (luminous) because they reside in luminous celestial quarters. The region of the circle of the Stellar begins at a height of 790 yojanas above the ground level of the Mount Meru.49 Surya is ten yojanas above the region of stars. Moon is eighty yojanas above the sun. The constellations are four yojanas above the moon. The planets are sixteen yojanas above the constellations and are found to move below or above the sun and moon.
Jyotishka nikaya consists of Surya (the sun), Chandra (the moon), Graha (planets), Nakshatra (constellations), Prakirnatara (stray stars).50 We observe that in each type of nikaya there are Indras (lord), Samanikas (equal to lord), Parishadyas (friends), Atmarakshas (body guards), Anikas (army), Prakirnakas (citizens), Abhiyogyas (servants), Kilbishika (lower rank).S' The Jyotishka bodies are five chara (mobile) and five sthiraS2 (immobile). The division of time is worked out by, the chara Jyotishka devas.53 The time divisions such as muhurta, day, night, fortnight etc., past, present and future take place only in Manusha loka. 54 In Manusha loka, there are one thirty two Suryas and one thirty two Chandras.55 The five achara bodies, existing outside the Manusha loka, are Sthira (immobile). 56 These static devas have innumerable suns and moons. 57
The Jyotishkas possess yellow dravya leshyas.58 But, they can have all the six bhava leshyas. These heavenly beings enjoy sexual pleasures like human beings.59 The minimum age of these beings is one eighth of a palyopama and maximum age is one lakh palyopama.60 In Uvavaiyam Suttam we observe that the Jyotishka, viz., Jupiter, Moon, Sun, Venus etc. were as red as a drop of melted gold. These heavenly bodies descended to pay obeisance to Jina Mahavira.“
4. Vaimanikas : Devas belonging to fourth nikaya are called Vaimanikas, since they move by vimanas. It is interesting to note that Residential Devas also move by vimanas. The Vaimanika
140
THE CONCEPT OF DIVINITY IN JAINISM