Bruhat Sangrahani Prakarana Sarth

This Jain text, titled "Bruhat Sangrahani Prakarana Sarth" and published by Jain Prakashan Mandir Ahmedabad, is a detailed exposition of Jain cosmology, focusing on the abodes of celestial beings (Devas) and hellish beings (Narakis). The book aims to provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of these realms.

Key aspects covered in the text include:

• Cosmological Framework: It delves into the structure of the universe according to Jain philosophy, explaining the various levels and divisions of celestial and infernal abodes.
• Devalokas (Celestial Realms): The text provides an in-depth description of the different Devalokas, including:
  • Lifespans of Devas: Detailed information on the minimum (Jaghanya) and maximum (Utkrushta) lifespans of celestial beings in various Devalokas. This is often presented in terms of years and the unit "Sagaropama" (a vast unit of time).
  • Types of Devas: It differentiates between various categories of celestial beings, such as Bhavapatis (residing in mansions), Vyantaras (moving beings), Jyotishis (celestial bodies like sun, moon, stars), and Vaimanikas (those residing in flying vehicles).
  • Palaces and Structures: Descriptions of the palaces, cities, and various structures inhabited by these celestial beings, including their dimensions and characteristics.
  • Indras and Lokapalas: Information about the chief celestial beings (Indras) and their attendants (Lokapalas) in each realm.
  • Devi (Celestial Females): Details about the celestial females, their lifespans, and their relationship with the male Devas.
  • Cosmic Geography: Explanations of the celestial regions, their locations, and the distances involved.
  • Vimanas (Celestial Vehicles): Descriptions of the flying vehicles used by Vaimanika Devas, their shapes, sizes, and the beings that inhabit them.
  • Celestial Armies and Retinues: Details about the forces and attendants of the celestial rulers.
  • Characteristics of Devas: Information on their physical form, attributes, lifespan, diet, and the concept of different "Lekshyas" (passions or dispositions) influencing them.
• Naraka (Hellish Realms): The text also describes the seven Naraka Puthvis (hellish layers):
  • Lifespans in Naraka: Similar to Devalokas, it details the lifespans of beings in each Naraka, emphasizing the extreme suffering and the concept of "Kriyakalpa" (time units relevant to Naraka lifespans).
  • Structure of Naraka: Descriptions of the geography of each Naraka, including their shape, dimensions, and the specific hellish apartments (Naraka-avasas) where beings reside.
  • Torments and Suffering: Implicitly, the detailed descriptions of the hellish realms suggest the nature of the suffering experienced by beings there, linked to their past negative karma.
• Human Realm (Manushyaloka): While primarily focused on celestial and infernal realms, it touches upon aspects related to the human realm, such as the lifespan of humans and their place within the cosmic hierarchy.
• Methodology: The text frequently employs a systematic approach, breaking down complex concepts into "Dwaras" (chapters or divisions) and "Prashnas" (questions), often accompanied by "Yantras" (diagrams or tables, implied by the text's nature) for clarity. It also utilizes specific Jain cosmological units of time and space.
• Authorship and Tradition: The text acknowledges its lineage within Jain tradition, referencing previous Acharyas and the transmission of knowledge. The publisher's details and catalog link provide context for its origin and accessibility.

In essence, "Bruhat Sangrahani Prakarana Sarth" is a foundational text for understanding the Jain perspective on the universe's structure, the types of beings that inhabit different realms, and the intricate details of their existence, lifespans, and characteristics, all within the framework of Jain karma philosophy.