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SOCIAL CONDITIONS
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and mental powers. On the other hand misconduct and moral vices are discouraged by associating with them the fear of hellish existence, sufferings and physical debilities. These elements awaken people to develop their divine and virtuous qualities and guide them to subdue their evil and devilish inclinations. Thus the central idea behind these elements is to fortify religion and general morality of people.
These elements can be dealt under four different heads viz : A. Supernatural beings and their abodes. B. Supernatural elements associated with the 63 illustrious
persons of the Jaina faith. Supernatural occurrences effecting day to day life of the
people and D. Superhuman powers of munis and ordinary persons
A. Supernatural Beings
Supernatural beings are said to be of two kinds viz. the infernal or hellish beings and the heavenly beings.
Hellish Beings :--The Paumacariyaṁ states that wrong conduct, killing of living beings (26.58), non-observance of vows (vratas), addiction to greediness (75.46;102.74) and the taking of honey, meat and wine (26.58) cause the souls to trasmigrate into the hellish regions. These causes can be corroborated by the TP which deals with them in detail (2.293-301; 2.356-66).
The hellish regions are told to be seven in number namely, Ratnaprabha, Sarkar, Balukā, Parika, Dhūma, Tama and MahatamaPrabhā (26.43-44; 75.47) which are situated below the Meru mountain (26.42) or in the middle world, one under the other in the Adholaka or the lower world of the Universe (102.64-66). This is the traditional account of the number and the situation of the Narakas. The PCV further informs us about the layers (patalas 102.69) and abodes (bilas 75.48; 102.67-68) in these Narakas and the age of the beings of each Naraka loka (102.83). It is a traditional account.
These hellish abodes are said to be completely dark and devoid of any sun or moon. They smell very filthy and are unagreeable to the sense of touch (24.66). Those who are born in these regions constantly suffer from the tortures of fire, thorns, weapons and mechanical devices. Crows and vultures prick their bodies. Their limbs are maimed. Severe cold, burning heat, thirst and hunger make their life miserable. They are boiled in couldrons. Whenever they run to the Vaitarani river to quench their thirst they find that it is full of blood, marrow,
