Units of Length in Jaina Canons

SR No.: 250350
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: N L Jain
Publisher: Z_Aspect_of_Jainology_Part_2_Pundit_Bechardas_Doshi_012016.pdf
Publication Year: 1987
Total Pages: 17
Language: English
Classification: Article & Philosophy
File Size: 995 KB

Page 13

116
5. PA
6. Yojana, Y
(a) UY, Km.
(b) PY, km (500 UY)
(1000 UY)
7. Rajju, R; km.
8. Jagshreni, J; km.
2-d Units
1. Pratarngula, PrA
2. Jagprata/Pratarlok, JP/PL
3-d Units
1. Ghanangula, GA
2. Ghanaloka, GL
3. Khanduka
N. L. Jain
500 UA, 1000 UA
0.085, 8.30, 13.28, 15,09 4150, 6640, 8300
42.83
84.66
Innumerable Yojanas
7545 13280 15090
3.7x101-2.4x1021
7R 2.6 x 1019-1.68 x 102
(UA)"
(J )2
(UA) UAX PrA (J)-(7R)3-343 GR 1/64 GR
Larger Units Length
The UA based Yojana, Y is the unit of length of practical and average value. It seems quite small for larger distances. Jaina Acharyas have, therefore coied some larger length units like time. These are known as Pramana units. The PA based Yojana, PY, is a 1-d unit in this direction. It has a value of 500 or 1000 times larger than UY or it is equivalent to 4000 or 8000 miles (1Y8 miles). Other different values based on various of UY are given in Table VI varying between. 6640-15090 km. These are measurable units.
With reference to the dimensions of the Universe, there is one more unit names as Rajju, R. Canonically, it seems difficult to evaluate the current value for it, as its calculations involve innumerable number. Despite this, Jain and Jain have calculated the valus of Rajju unit to be between 101-1031 kms. Jagshreni, J its still a larger unit which is equal to 7R or between 1019-10 kms. These larger units are just akin to the current units of Light year which has a value of app. 101 km. This suggests that the larger units of length of the Jainas are sufficiently larger. These are also included in Table. VII.
The above description of larger units have also their corresponding 2-d and 3-d units named as Pratarlok (PL) and Ghanloka or Loka (GL, L) respectively. These are equal to the square and cube of Jagshrenu unit. Lokprakash mentions an another of 3-d unit of Khandka, K equal to one-fourth cube (1/64) of a Rajju. This and its derivative units are not found in Digambara tradition.
The above description of larger units shows the PY to be different in different traditions. Thus, descriptions based on them will have a variance and their reliablity will be more mythological. The current century, however, requires uniform value of PY for proper evaluation of various descriptions in canons.