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11
KSETRA LOKA (SPATIAL UNIVERSE)
Universal Space -
This chapter affords the reader an idea about the spatial expanse of the universe and its various parts such as the nether world (Adholoka) comprising the seven hellish grounds, the middle universe (Madhya Loka) where the humans dwell (Manusya Loka) including the Jambūdvipa, the upper universe where the gods live in their respective heavens (Devaloka) are and, ultimately, the abode of the liberated perfect souls (Siddhaloka).
Spatial Dimensions (Arigula, Yojana And Rajju)
The universe is immense and equally immense are the units of measures that are used to describe its dimensions. Here, we start with introducing these units first. Argula (The Finger-Measure) –
The basic Jaina units of measuring lengths is Arigula or finger-measure. The practical unit of finger-measure is an Utsedhāngula (UA – used for measuring heights of bodies and idols), which is 1/7,68000th of an Utsedha Yojana. According to Dr. NL Jain, the value of one Utsedhāngula comes to about 1.7 cm on the average. Also, the Utsedhāngiula is taken as equivalent to the width of eight barley grains put side by side. The other
