Agam Deep 32 Devindatthao Gujarati Anuvaad

The provided text is a Gujarati translation of the Jain Agam scripture, specifically the Devindatthao (or Devendrastava) section, which is part of the Prakirna or miscellaneous texts. The title of the Gujarati translation is "Agam Deep 32 Devindatthao Gujarati Anuvaad" and it is authored by Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar, and published by Agam Shrut Prakashan. The catalog link provided is for a Jain resource website.

The text details the cosmology and celestial beings within Jainism, specifically focusing on various classes of celestial beings (Devas) and their leaders (Indras).

Here's a breakdown of the content based on the provided pages:

General Introduction and Acknowledgements (Pages 1-6):

• The initial pages include Jain invocations and expressions of respect to the Jinendra and spiritual teachers.
• It lists the author, publisher, and the specific Agam texts being translated (Acharanga, Sutrakritanga, Sthananga, Samavayanga, Bhagavati Sutra, etc.), indicating this is part of a larger series titled "Agam Deep."
• Crucially, it highlights the sponsors and patrons of the publication, such as Shrimati Nayanaben Rameshchandra Shah and family, and various Jain Sangh's and individuals. This indicates the collaborative effort and financial support involved in producing such religious texts.

Content of the Devindatthao (Deva Indrastava) - The Core of the Text (Pages 11-23):

The central part of the text is a dialogue between a Jain householder and his wife, where the wife asks for detailed information about the celestial beings. The husband then expounds upon these topics, providing a comprehensive description. The content can be broadly categorized as follows:

1. Introduction to Celestial Beings and Their Leaders (Indras): The text begins with a narrative of a devout Jain householder and his wife, where the wife inquires about the thirty-two Devendras (Chiefs of Devas). The husband then begins to explain their nature, abodes, and status.

2. Bhavanpati Devas (Dwelling-Dwelling Devas):

   • Categories and Leaders: The text details the twenty types of Bhavanpati Devas, along with their respective Indras. These include Asuras, Nagakumars, Suparnas, Uddhikumaras, Dishakumaras, Vayukumaras, Khanitakumaras, Vidyutkumaras, and Agnikumaras. For each category, two Indras are named.
   • Palaces and Residences: Specific numbers of palaces (viman) are given for each Indra. For example, Amarendra and Asurendra have 64 lakh palaces, while Nagakumara Indras have 84 lakh, and so on.
   • Lifespan (Ayushya): The lifespan of these Indras is described, with some having a lifespan of one Sagaropama (a very long period) and others having slightly less.
   • Cities and Infrastructure: The text describes the cities of the Bhavanpati Devas, their construction with precious stones, golden ramparts, and decorative elements like flags and bells. The palaces are described as beautiful, pure, and made of diamond-like substances.
   • Powers and Abilities: The immense powers of these Indras are highlighted, such as their ability to cover Jambudvipa with their hoods or wings, fill it with water currents, shake it with a footstep, or even burn it with fire.
   • Distribution: Their residences are described as being located in specific areas of Jambudvipa and surrounding regions.

3. Vyantar Devas (Intermediate Devas):

   • Types and Leaders: The text outlines the eight types of Vyantar Devas (Pishachas, Bhutas, Yakshas, Rakshasas, Kinnaras, Kimpurushas, Mahoragas, and Gandharvas). It then lists sixteen Indras within the Vyantar category.
   • Habitats and Lifespan: Their abodes are described as being in the upper parts of Ratnaprabha earth, and their lifespan ranges from 10,000 years to one Palyopama.
   • Palaces and Enjoyment: Their palaces are also made of precious materials, and they are described as being constantly engrossed in music and revelry.

4. Jyotishka Devas (Luminous Devas):

   • Types: These include the Sun, Moon, Star groups, Nakshatras (constellations), and Grahas (planets).
   • Vehicles (Vimanas): The text describes their celestial vehicles (vimanas) as being made of crystal and having specific shapes.
   • Altitude and Dimensions: Detailed measurements are given for the altitude and dimensions of the Moon, Sun, planets, and stars, often using units like Yojana (a unit of distance) and Dhanusha (bow).
   • Movement and Powers: The speed and relative positions of these celestial bodies are explained. The text also describes how they are carried by celestial beings in various forms.
   • Cycles and Phases: The text touches upon lunar phases, the influence of Rahu on the Moon, and the conjunctions of Nakshatras with the Moon and Sun.
   • Quantity: The number of celestial bodies (Moons, Suns, Nakshatras, Grahas) in different parts of the cosmos (Jambudvipa, Lavana Samudra, Dhataki Khanda, etc.) is detailed.
   • Lifespan: The lifespans of Sun Devas, Moon Devas, Grahas, Nakshatras, and Stars are provided, measured in Palyopama.

5. Vaimanika Devas (Vehicular/Aerial Devas):

   • Kalpa-based Devas: The text describes the twelve Kalpas (heavens) and their respective Indras, starting from Saudharma and going up to Achyuta.
   • Number of Vimanas: For each Kalpa, the number of vimanas or aerial palaces associated with its Indra is specified, ranging from millions down to hundreds.
   • Lifespan in Kalpas: The lifespan of the Devas in each Kalpa is detailed in Sagaropama.
   • Revyaka and Anuttara Vimanas: The text then describes the Revyaka (intermediate celestial abodes) and Anuttara (highest celestial abodes) Vimanas, mentioning their structure, number, and the lifespan of the Devas residing there. The Sarvarthasiddhi Vimana is also mentioned as the highest abode.

6. Characteristics of Devas:

   • Leśyā (Soul-Color/Aura): The Leśyā of different categories of Devas is described (Krishna, Nila, Kapota, Tejas, Padma, Shukla).
   • Complexion and Forms: The complexion of the Devas in various Kalpas is mentioned, and their forms are described as pure and radiant.
   • Height and Dimensions: The height of Devas in different realms is given, with a gradual decrease in height as one moves up through the celestial realms.
   • Kama-Krida (Love Play): The methods of enjoyment and physical intimacy for Devas in different Kalpas are described, ranging from physical to mental.
   • Fragrances: Various pleasant fragrances associated with the Devas are listed.
   • Embellishments: The Devas are described as adorning themselves with jewels, garlands, and garments according to their will.
   • Appearance of Palaces: The architecture and colors of the palaces in different Kalpas are detailed.
   • Karma and Rebirth: The influence of karma on their state and eventual rebirth is alluded to.

7. The Siddhas (Liberated Souls):

   • Location: The text describes the Siddhashila (the abode of the liberated souls) at the apex of the universe.
   • Nature of Siddhas: The Siddhas are described as being free from pain, attachment, and physical bodies. They are composed of pure soul-regions.
   • Infinite Bliss: The ultimate happiness of the Siddhas is emphasized as incomparable to any worldly pleasure, even that of all the Devas combined. Their bliss is eternal and free from suffering.
   • Characteristics of Siddhas: They are described as knowing all substances, qualities, and states of existence, and possessing infinite knowledge and perception.

Overall Purpose and Significance:

The Devindatthao (translated here as Devendrastava or Deva Indrastava) is a scriptural text that serves multiple purposes within Jainism:

• Cosmological Understanding: It provides a detailed account of the Jain universe, its various realms, and the beings that inhabit them, particularly the celestial beings.
• Spiritual Guidance: By describing the nature, lifespans, and enjoyments of the Devas, it implicitly contrasts their temporary existence and material pleasures with the eternal and supreme bliss of liberation (moksha). This encourages the pursuit of spiritual practices to attain moksha.
• Devotional Aspect: The detailed descriptions of the celestial beings and their Indras can be used for devotional contemplation and remembrance of these powerful entities.
• Instruction and Knowledge: It serves as a repository of knowledge for the Jain laity, explaining complex cosmological concepts in an accessible narrative form.

In essence, this Gujarati translation of the Devindatthao is a crucial part of understanding the Jain worldview concerning the existence and hierarchical structure of celestial beings, their realms, and the ultimate goal of spiritual emancipation.