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In deriving the biggest number, first the counting up to a number of eighty-four lakhs was done. This number was named "Purvanga". After this, eighty-four lakhs have been multiplied by eighty four lakhs, i.e. eighty-four lakhs have been squared. The number thus obtained was named "Purva". When the number "Purva", is multiplied by eightyfour lakhs again, the result was called "Trutitanga". In this sequence, there are twenty eight such places. Progressing in this manner, the ultimate number, "Sirsaprahelika" can be denoted as follows:
(8400000) 28 or (84x10^)28
Although the time period up to the "Sirsaprahelika", is sufficient for all practical purposes, the calculable and numerate periods beyond this limit are described using simile (upama), such as - pallayopama, the sagaropama, the avasarpini, the utsarpini. They are employed in mentioning the longevity of bios in various life-forms. The periods of time, beyond measures have been treated in terms of the 'innumerate' and the 'infinite'. It is interesting to note that the numerical building blocks beyond eighty-four lakhs have been obtained by multiplying the preceding number with 84 lakhs, for example:
84 lakhs years = 1 purvanga 84 lakhs purvanga = 1 purva 84 lakhs purva = 1 trutitanga
84 lakhs chulika = 1 shirsaprahelikanga 84 lakhs shirsaprahelikanga = 1 shirsaprahelika.
The decimal system has been used in the arithmetic of the Vedic and the Jain schools. Both are similar to a large extent, except for the fact that in Jain arithmetic the numbers beyond 84 lakhs are derived by repeated multiplication of the number 8400000 (eightyfour lakhs). That is, the further increment is not in units but en-block by eighty-four lakhs.
2. Different Traditions (i) Swetambara Tradition Here, three technical terms have been mentioned, which need detailed discussions:
• Kati • Akati
Avakatavya
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