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The Enduring Significance of Jaina
Cosmography
Knut Aukland
Introduction
During Cāturmās in 1965 in Śravaņa Belgolā, the well-known Digambara nun Jnanamati Mataji had a vision in which she saw the entire structure of the universe, including the various islands, continents, and oceans that make up the middle part of the universe (madhyaloka). She later discovered that what she had seen was a perfect match to the cosmographical details laid out in Jaina scriptures (Candanamati 2010: 6). In 1972 she helped establish the Digambara Jaina Institute of Cosmographic Research (Digambara Triloka Šodha Sansthāna) in Hastinapur which would spend much effort and energy in the field of Jaina cosmography, exploring texts as well as physically manifesting Jaina cosmography in various building projects. The opening question that led me to this particular topic was simply "why?" Why this focus on cosmography? And further, how does it relate to religious practice? If Jainism is a religion that revolves around soteriology, a technique of salvation that puts focus on the individual's actions and soul, why should one spend time on painstakingly detailed descriptions of the geography of the outer physical world? I suggest that cosmography is an overlooked area in the study of Jainism. Though typically treated as background material for understanding Jaina ontology and soteriology or simply as eccentric historical remains from pre-modern times, Jaina cosmography has had an enduring significance for the Jaina community that continues up until this very date (Dundas 2002: 92). It has implications for religious life in general and for a set of Digambara rituals that are conducted three times yearly in particular. Its relevance covers soteriology, ritual life, and establishment of religious authority. I will further argue that
