Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
Jain Terms Preserved:
The 429th chapter describes the 'Ratnakaropama' time period, which is the time period of the ten Avarsarpini (descending) cycles. Each Avarsarpini and Utsarpini (ascending) cycle lasts for the same duration, just like the waxing and waning phases of the moon. These cycles are divided into six sub-periods by the Mahatmas (great beings) based on the differences in the potency of the substances involved.
The first sub-period of the Avarsarpini cycle is called Sushama-Sushama, whose time period is measured in 4 Koṭikodyās of Sāgaropamas. The second sub-period is called Sushama, whose time period is 3 Koṭikodyās of Sāgaropamas. The third sub-period is called Sushama-Duhṣhama, whose time period is 2 Koṭikodyās of Sāgaropamas. The fourth sub-period is called Duhṣhama-Sushama, whose time period is 1 Koṭikodyā of Sāgaropamas minus 42,000 years. The fifth sub-period is called Duhṣhama, and the sixth sub-period is called Duhṣhama-Duhṣhama, each of whose time periods is 21,000 years as per the Jinas.
The time intervals between the Tīrthaṅkaras are then described. After Bhagavān Ṛṣhabhadeva, the second Tīrthaṅkara Ajitanātha appeared after an interval of 50 lakh Koṭikodyās of Sāgaropamas. The third Tīrthaṅkara Sambhavanātha appeared after an interval of 30 lakh Koṭikodyās of Sāgaropamas. The fourth Tīrthaṅkara Abhinandananātha appeared after an interval of 10 lakh Koṭikodyās of Sāgaropamas. The subsequent Tīrthaṅkaras appeared at intervals of 9 lakh, 90,000, 9,000, 900, 90, and 9 Koṭikodyās of Sāgaropamas respectively.