Agam 32 Devindatthao Navamam Painnayam Mulam PDF File - Book Summary

This is a summary of the Jain text "Agam 32 Devindatthao Navamam Painnayam Mulam," edited by Dipratnasagar and Deepratnasagar. The text is the ninth Prajnapana (Painnaya) within the Agam literature, focusing on the attendants and realms of celestial beings.

Overall Scope:

The text provides a detailed description of the various celestial beings, their abodes (Vimanas), their characteristics, lifespans, and the hierarchy among them. It covers the following categories of celestial beings:

Bhavanavasi (Abode-dwellers): These are the lowest class of celestial beings who reside in mansions within the lower realms.
Vanantarika (In-between dwellers): These beings reside in the space between the Bhavanavasi realms and the upper heavens.
Jyotishiya (Luminous beings): This category includes the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets.
Vaimanika (Palace-dwellers/Heavenly beings): These are the higher celestial beings who reside in various heavens (Kalpas) and are further categorized into:
- Kalpavasi (Kalpa-dwellers): Those who reside in the lower heavens.
- Gavejja (Gavejja-dwellers): Those who reside in the middle heavens.
- Anuttara (Supreme beings): Those who reside in the highest, supreme heavens.

Key Content Areas:

Introduction and Invocation (Pages 1-3):
- The text begins with an invocation to the Jinendra (liberated souls) and specific Tirthankaras.
- It introduces the topic of "Devindatthao" (the collection of celestial lords) and its significance.
- The narrative starts with a seeker inquiring about the thirty-two celestial lords.
Bhavanavasi (Abode-dwellers) (Pages 3-7, Stanzas 14-66):
- Classification: The text lists the eight types of Bhavanavasi: Asuras (demons), Nagakumars (serpent-lineage), Suparnakumars (eagle-lineage), Vidyutkumars (lightning-lineage), Stanyakumars (thunder-lineage), Vayukumars (wind-lineage), Dvipakumars (island-lineage), and Udadhikumars (ocean-lineage).
- Enumeration of Lords and Mansions: For each type, it identifies the chief lords and enumerates the number of mansions (Bhavanas) associated with them. For example, Asuras have 64,000,000 mansions, Nagakumars have 84,000,000, and so on.
- Lifespans (Sthiti): The lifespans of these beings are described, ranging from half a Palya (a unit of time) to two Palya minus a quarter.
- Description of Mansions: The text details the architecture, dimensions, beauty, and features of these celestial mansions, emphasizing their crystalline nature and opulent decorations.
- Abodes: The specific locations of these mansions in different islands and oceans are mentioned.
- Powers: The immense powers of these celestial lords are illustrated through examples of their ability to encompass or affect entire continents.
Vanantarika (In-between dwellers) (Pages 7-8, Stanzas 67-80):
- Classification: The text lists sixteen types of Vanantarikas, including Pisachas, Bhutas, Yakshas, Rakshasas, Kinnaras, Kimpurushas, Mahoragas, and Gandharvas.
- Lords and Mansions: It identifies the chief lords of these beings and briefly mentions their mansions.
- Lifespans: Their lifespans are described as ranging from ten thousand years (minimum) to one Palya (maximum).
Jyotishiya (Luminous beings) (Pages 8-11, Stanzas 81-161):
- Classification: Jyotishiya beings are classified into five types: Chandras (Moons), Suryas (Suns), Nakshatras (Stars), Grahs (Planets), and Ganavishrut (constellations/star groups).
- Abodes and Form: Their celestial vehicles (Vimanas) are described as being made of metal, with various shapes and forms.
- Locations and Calculations: The text meticulously details the positioning of the Sun, Moon, and planets relative to the Earth's surface and their respective distances and heights.
- Dimensions: It provides specific measurements for the celestial bodies and their orbits, including their diameters and widths.
- Movement and Cycles: The text describes the movements and cycles of these celestial bodies, including the calculation of lunar phases and the duration of Nakshatra conjunctions.
- Number of Celestial Bodies: It enumerates the vast number of Moons, Suns, Planets, and Stars in different regions of the universe (Jambudvipa, Lavana Samudra, etc.).
- Lifespans: The lifespans of these celestial beings are also given, with Suns having a lifespan of one thousand years Palya, Moons having a lifespan of one thousand years Palya plus one hundred thousand years, and so on.
Vaimanika (Palace-dwellers/Heavenly beings) (Pages 11-19, Stanzas 162-273):
- Kalpavasi (Kalpa-dwellers):
  - Twelve Heavens (Kalpas): The text lists the twelve heavens: Saumadhamma, Isana, Sanatkumara, Mahendra, Brahma, Lantaka, Mahashukra, Sahasrara, Ananta, Pananta, Arana, and Achyuta.
  - Number of Vimanas: For each heaven, it specifies the number of Vimanas (celestial palaces) associated with it.
  - Lifespans: The lifespans of the lords of these heavens are described in terms of Sagaropamas (a unit of time), ranging from two Sagaropamas for Sakra to twenty-two Sagaropamas for Achyuta.
  - Colors and Characteristics: The colors of the mansions and the overall characteristics of the celestial beings in these heavens are described.
  - Types of Progression: The text mentions different modes of progression (Pravicharana) such as physical, touch, form, sound, and mind, associated with beings in different heavens.
- Gavejja (Gavejja-dwellers):
  - Three Tiers: These heavens are divided into lower, middle, and upper tiers, with three sub-types in each, totaling nine Gavejja heavens.
  - Lifespans: Their lifespans are given in Sagaropamas, with the lowest tier having twenty-three Sagaropamas and the highest having a lifespan equivalent to their celestial abode.
- Anuttara (Supreme beings):
  - Five Supreme Vimanas: The text describes the five supreme Vimanas: Vijaya, Vaijayanta, Jayanta, Aparajita, and Sarvarthasiddhi.
  - Lifespans and Bliss: These beings enjoy supreme bliss, characterized by the absence of need for sustenance and having perfect senses. Their lifespans are also detailed.
  - Characteristics: Their unique qualities, such as their complete detachment and knowledge, are highlighted.
- Description of Vimanas: The text provides details about the construction, materials, colors, and beauty of these celestial palaces.
Isipabbhara and Siddha (Pages 18-20, Stanzas 273-303):
- Isipabbhara: This refers to the highest point of the universe, the abode of liberated souls.
- Siddhas (Liberated Souls):
  - Nature and Location: Siddhas are described as being formless, bodiless, and residing in the uppermost part of the universe (Aloka). They are free from birth, death, old age, and disease.
  - Forms: They maintain the same form they had at the moment of liberation.
  - Lifespans and Bliss: Siddhas exist eternally in a state of supreme bliss and consciousness, unaffected by any suffering.
  - Knowledge and Perception: They possess infinite knowledge (Kevala Jnana) and perception (Kevala Darshana), comprehending all substances and their states.
  - Incomparable Bliss: Their bliss is described as infinitely greater than any form of happiness experienced by celestial beings or even the most opulent humans.
Jina Id'dhi (Perfections of the Jinas) (Page 20, Stanzas 303-304):
- This section briefly touches upon the supreme powers and perfections of the Jinas (Tirthankaras), stating that even the combined perfections of all celestial beings cannot match the perfection of a Jina.
Conclusion (Pages 20-21, Stanzas 305-308):
- The text concludes by stating that the hymn to the celestial beings is now complete.
- It offers salutations to the Jinas, acknowledging their supreme status and the devotion shown by the celestial beings.

Key Themes and Significance:

Cosmology: The text provides a detailed account of the Jain cosmological structure, delineating the different realms and their inhabitants.
Hierarchy and Order: It emphasizes the hierarchical structure of the celestial beings, from the lowest Bhavanavasi to the highest Anuttara dwellers and the Siddhas.
Attributes of Celestial Beings: The text elaborates on their lifespans, powers, characteristics, and the nature of their abodes.
Soteriological Significance: By describing the Siddhas, the text points towards the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation and the attainment of eternal bliss.
Devotional Aspect: The enumeration and description of these beings also serve a devotional purpose, fostering reverence for the higher powers within the Jain tradition.

In essence, "Devindatthao" is a comprehensive treatise on the celestial realms and their inhabitants, offering a glimpse into the intricate cosmology and the diverse spiritual hierarchy within Jainism.