Jain Journal 1986 07

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 21

On Five Circular Parts of Jambudvipa
Third prabhṛt of Sürya-prajñapti1 deals with the dimensions of the region upon which the Sun shines, illumines and provides heat and light. Several opinions came into vogue among different unknown schools of thought before the compilation of the Surya-prajñapti. However the view held in esteem by the author of the Surya-prajñapti was unique and it was based upon the principle of division of Jambudvipa into five circular parts. It is conjectured that the ratio 3:2 of the maximum and minimum lengths of the daylight2 had rendered a vehement role in the development of such a concept of the simplest division of Jambudvipa into five circular parts.
SAJJAN SINGH LISHK
As regards the description of the dimensions of the region upon which the Sun shines, illumines and provides heat and light, there had come into vogue several opinions among different unknown schools of thought at the time when the Surya-prajñapti was compiled. The diversity of the opinions is evidently stated in the third prabhṛt of the Surya-prajñapti as given below:
1. Some say that the Moon and the Sun shine, illumine and provide heat and light upon only one island and one ocean.
2. Some say that the Moon and the Sun shine, illumine and provide heat and light upon three islands and three oceans.
1
3. Others say that the Moon and the Sun shine, illumine and provide heat and light upon three and a half islands and oceans each.
Surya-prajnapti, Skt. Commentary by Malaya Giri. Besides, for more details, see mathematical commentaries on Surya-prajnapti in Sanskrit and English (in progress) under the principal investigation of Dr. S.D. Sharma, Department of Physics, Punjabi University, Patiala.
The Surya-prajnapti is the seventh Upanga of Jaina canon the present recension of which is generally ascribed to the council of Valabhi under the presidency of Devardhi Gani which met in 5th or 6th century A. D. For more details, see Lishk, S. S. and Sharma, S. D. (1977), 'Sources of Jaina Astronomy', The Jain Antiquary, Vol. 29, Nos. 1-2, pp 19-32.
2 For more details, see Sharma, S. D. and Lishk, S. S. (1978), 'Length of the Day in Jaina Astronomy', Centaurus (Denmark), Vol. 22, No. 3, pp. 165-176.