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112
THE NAMES OF THE SUBCLASSES OF DEVAS
This is the common name of the first order of celestial beings. Asura etc. are special names acquired by special name karmas. All celestial beings are of the same appearance (age) and nature as at birth. Still these beings appear as youth by their dress, ornaments, weapons, conveyance, animals they ride on, sport, etc. Hence they are designated kumāras by common currency. It is added to every one, as Asurakumāras and so on. Where are their mansions ? The mansions of Asurakumāras are in the Pankabahula part of the first infernal region. The dwelling places of the other nine classes of kumāras are in the upper and lower strata of Kharapṛthivibhāga, leaving out 1,000 yojanas in each of these.
The common and special names of the second order of devas are mentioned in the next sutra.
व्यन्तराः किन्नर किम्पुरुषमहोरगगन्धर्वयक्षराक्षसभूतपिशाचाः
॥ ११ ॥
Vyantaraḥ kinnarakimpuruṣamahoragagandharvayakṣarakṣasabhūtapiśācāḥ
(11)
11. The Peripatetic devas comprise Kinnara, Kimpuruşa, Mahoraga, Gandharva, Yakṣa, Rakṣasa, Bhuta, and Pisaca classes.
The common, meaningful designation of these eight classes of devas is Peripatetic (Vyantara), that is those having habitations in various places. Their eight divisions must be understood to arise from special name karmas. Where are their dwelling places? The dwelling places of seven classes of the Peripatetic devas are in the upper hard part beyond the innumerable islands and oceans. The Rakṣasas reside in the
Pankabahula region.
The general and specific names of the third order are mentioned next.
ज्योतिष्काः सूर्याचन्द्रमसौ ग्रहनक्षत्रप्रकीर्णकतारकाश्च ॥ १२ ॥ Jyotiṣkaḥ suryācandramasaugraha nakṣatraprakirṇakatārakāśca
(12)
12. The Stellar (luminary) devas comprise the sun, the moon, the planets, the constellations and the scattered stars.
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