________________
2. Peripatetic (Vyantara): The peripatetic (Vyantara) reside above Ratnaprabha bhoomi (earth) and upper and middle loka.36 They reside in various antara (intervening spaces) hence, they are called Vyantara. They visit different places and trees etc., some of them even attend upon the human beings. The Vyantara consists of Kinnara, Kimpurusha, Gandharva, Yaksha, Rakshasa, Bhuta and Pishacha. 37
The eight Vana-Vyantaras are, (i) Anapanni, (ii) Panapanni, (iii) Isi-vadi, (iv) Bhuta-vadi, (v) Kandita, (vi) Maha-kandita, (vii) Kohanda, and (viii) Patanga.
The Peripatetic devas in their kingdom have two Indras.39 Indras, Samanikas, Parishadyas, Atmarakshas, Anikas, Prakirnakas, Abhiyogyas and Kilvishikas are found in each type of Vyantara devas.40 The Vyantara devas have dravya leshya namely black, indigo, grey, and yellow." All the six bhava leshyas may be found in Vyantara devas. They enjoy sexual pleasure like human beings.42 Vyantara devas approach human beings to serve (due to family and friendly affection of earlier birth) and create fear (due to enmity in the earlier birth). They are playful.
The age of the Vana-Vyantara devas is minimum 10,000 years and maximum one palyopama.43 They have immense grace, immense fortune and worship Bhagavan Mahavira.44 These heavenly beings enjoy sexual pleasure through body just as man does.45
It is worth noting the ten types of Tiryak Jrimbhaka Devas namely, (i) Ana Jrimbhaka, (ii) Pana Jrimbhaka, (iii) Vastra Jrimbhaka, (iv) Lena, (property etc.) Jrimbhaka, (v) Pushpa Jrimbhaka, (vi) Phala Jrimbhaka, (vii) Pushpa Phala Jrimbhaka, (viii) Shayana Jrimbhaka, (ix) Vidya Jrimbhaka, and (x) Avyakta Jrimbhaka. These devas fill up the house of the parent of the Tirthankaras with gold, corn and other articles suggested by their respective names, on the auspicious day of chyavana (descent from heaven), Janma (birth), and other auspicious days of Tirthankara. They live on the mount Vaitadhya.48
47
Jain Education International
THE CONCEPT OF DIVINITY IN JAINISM
For Private & Personal Use Only
139
www.jainelibrary.org