________________
THE STELLAR DEVAS
As these are endowed with light, these five are called by the significant general name of luminaries. The sun etc. are particular names derived from name karmas. The mention of the sun and the moon is intended to indicate their importance. On what account are these important? These are important on account of their brilliance etc. Where are their abodes? The stars which are the lowest among the luminous bodies rotate at a height of seven hundred and ninety yojanas from level earth (sea level). The suns rotate ten yojanas higher. The moons rotate eighty yojanas higher still. Four yojanas higher up are the constellations. Four yojanas above these are the planets called Budhas (Mercury). Three yojanas above these are Sukras (Venus). Three yojanas above these are Bṛhaspatis (Jupiter). Three yojanas above these are Angārakas (Mars). Three yojanas still higher up are Sanaiscaras (Saturn). This space spread over by these luminaries (Stellar devas) is one hundred and ten yojanas thick and is transversely (horizontally) of the extent of the innumerable islands and oceans up to the humid atmosphere. This has been mentioned in the scriptures.
113
"Over this level earth, at a height of seven hundred and ninety yojanas, are the stars. Ten yojanas higher up is the sun. Eighty yojanas above it is the moon. Again four yojanas higher up are the constellations, and four yojanas above these is Mercury. Further above, at intervals of three yojanas, are the planets, Venus, Jupiter, Mars and Saturn."
The movement of the luminary bodies is described next. मेरुप्रदक्षिणा नित्यगतयो नृलोके ॥ १३ ॥
Merupradakṣinā nityagatayo nṛloke
(13)
13. In the human region they are characterized by incessant motion around Meru.
Jain Education International
Merupradakṣina means motion round Meru. This phrase is intended to indicate the correct direction of the motion from left to right and dispel any view of the opposite direction. Nityagataya is intended to convey uninterrupted and continuous motion. 'In the human world' specifies that these are
15
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
