Lok Prakash Part 02

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Lok Prakash Part 02" by Vinayvijay and Shravak Hiralal Hansraj, based on the provided text and catalog link.

Book Title: Lok Prakash Part 02 (also referred to as Kshetra Lok Prakash, Parichhed 02) Original Author: Nopadhyaya Shri Vinayvijayji Translator and Publisher: Shravak Hiralal Hansraj (from Jamnagar) Publisher: Shravak Hiralal Hansraj Publication Year: Vikram Samvat 175 (likely a typo in the original text, considering the other dates, it might intend Vikram Samvat 1775 or similar, corresponding to roughly 1716 CE). The text also mentions Veer Samvat 2442 and 1716 CE. Printing Press: Jamnagar Jain Bhaskaroday Printing Press

Overall Purpose:

"Lok Prakash" is a cosmological and geographical treatise within Jainism. Part 02, specifically the "Kshetra Lok Prakash" section, delves into the intricate details of the Jain universe, focusing on the various continents, mountains, rivers, regions, and celestial bodies like the Sun and Moon. The text aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the physical and spatial aspects of the Jain cosmology, which is foundational for understanding the spiritual path and the locations of virtuous beings and events.

Key Content and Structure (Based on the provided Table of Contents and text snippets):

The text appears to be divided into several chapters (Sargs) that systematically describe the Jain universe. Based on the "Anukramanika" (Table of Contents) and chapter titles, the main topics covered in this section are:

Chapter 19 (Ekonveesmo Sarg - Twenty-ninth Chapter, though the table of contents says Nineteenth):

• Description of Nilvan Mountain: This section begins with the detailed description of Mount Nilvan, a significant mountain in Jain cosmology.
  • Its Nine Peaks: The text likely elaborates on the nine prominent peaks of Mount Nilvan, perhaps describing their names and associated deities or features.
  • Kesarhrid and Nardikanta Rivers: The description extends to the rivers originating from or associated with Mount Nilvan, such as Kesarhrid and Nardikanta.
• Ramyak Kshetra (Region): The description then moves to the Ramyak region, likely detailing its characteristics, inhabitants, and geographical features.
  • Description of Rukmi Mountain: Similar to Nilvan, Mount Rukmi is described, along with its peaks.
  • Mahapumrikhrid and Narakanthadi Rivers: Rivers originating from or associated with Mahapumrikhad and Narakanthadi are likely described.
• Hairanyavant Kshetra (Region): This section details the Hairanyavant region.
  • Description of Viktapati Mountain: A description of Mount Viktapati and its features.
  • Shikhri Mountain and its Peaks: Mount Shikhri and its peaks are described.
  • Mahapumrikhad and Rivers: Rivers originating from Mahapumrikhad are discussed.
• Jambudweepa Geography: The text provides a comprehensive overview of Jambudweepa, including:
  • Mountains, Peaks, Lakes, and Rivers: A detailed account of the various geographical features within Jambudweepa.
  • Sun and other Celestial Bodies: The number and possibly the nature of celestial bodies like the Sun within Jambudweepa.

Chapter 20 (Veesmo Sarg - Twentieth Chapter):

• Circulation of the Sun: This chapter focuses on the celestial movements, primarily of the Sun.
  • Five Anuyogadwaras of the Sun: Likely referring to different perspectives or methods of calculation related to the Sun's path and position.
  • Sun's Orbit and its Spheres: Detailed explanations of the Sun's movement within its orbit and its various celestial spheres or layers.
  • Sun's Uttarayan and Dakshinayan: The explanation of the Sun's movement towards the north (Uttarayan) and south (Dakshinayan), which influences seasons.
  • Sun's Heat Zones: Descriptions of the areas affected by the Sun's heat.
  • Sun's Corona: Explanations of the solar corona.
  • Sun's Field of Vision and Apparent Distance: How the Sun appears to move closer or farther.
• Circulation of the Moon: The chapter likely extends to the Moon's movements.
  • Moon's Orbital Motion and Spheres: Similar to the Sun, the Moon's path and its celestial spheres.
  • Moon's Field of Vision and Apparent Distance: How the Moon appears to move closer or farther.
  • Moon's Growth and Decay: The explanation of the waxing and waning of the Moon.
  • Eclipses: Understanding of solar and lunar eclipses.
  • Nakshatras (Stars) and their Adhisthayak Deities: Descriptions of the stars and their presiding deities.
  • Nakshatras' Forms, Families, Subfamilies, and Grandfamilies: Categorization and details of the stars.
  • Purpose of Nakshatras: The significance and function of stars in Jain cosmology.
• Grahas (Planets): A section dedicated to the description of planets.

Subsequent Chapters (Mentioned in the Table of Contents):

• Chapter 21 (Ekveesmo Sarg - Twenty-first Chapter):
  • Description of the Lavana Samudra (Salt Ocean): Details about this ocean, its dimensions, characteristics, and tides.
  • Patalakalsas: Descriptions of mythological vessels or entities believed to influence the ocean.
  • Valanghara Devas: Deities residing in or associated with the ocean.
  • Islands like Gautamdwipa: Descriptions of islands within the ocean.
• Chapter 22 (Baveesmo Sarg - Twenty-second Chapter):
  • Description of Dhatki Khanda: Details about this continent.
  • Related Mountains and Regions: Descriptions of mountains like Ishukara and regions.
  • Kalaoda Samudra: Description of the Kalaoda Ocean.
• Chapter 23 (Treveesmo Sarg - Twenty-third Chapter):
  • Description of Pushkaravara Dwipa: Details about this island continent.
  • Manushyottara Mountain and its Peaks: The description of this significant mountain.
  • Human Regions: Descriptions of regions inhabited by humans.
  • Eternal Chaityas and Idols: Mention of perpetual temples and idols.
• Chapter 24 (Chovveesmo Sarg - Twenty-fourth Chapter):
  • Description of the Pushkarodaha Mahasagar: Details about this great ocean.
  • Varunivara Dwipa and Varunivaroda Mahasagar: Descriptions of these islands and oceans.
  • Nandishwara Dwipa: A detailed description of this important island.

Key Features and Themes:

• Detailed Cosmology: The text provides meticulous geographical and astronomical information according to Jain principles.
• Geometrical and Mathematical Descriptions: The text likely involves complex calculations and measurements for distances, sizes, and circumferences of celestial bodies and landmasses.
• Mythological and Divine Associations: Various mountains, lakes, and rivers are associated with deities, celestial beings, and their abodes, reflecting the integration of the spiritual and physical realms in Jain thought.
• Systematic Approach: The chapters follow a logical progression, starting with Jambudweepa and gradually expanding to other parts of the universe.
• Influence of Previous Works: The text acknowledges and builds upon earlier Jain cosmological and geographical works, such as the "Jambudweepa Prajnapti Sutra," "Samavayanaga Sutra," and "Bhagvati Sutra," indicating a lineage of knowledge transmission.
• Translator's Contribution: Shravak Hiralal Hansraj is credited with translating and publishing the work, making it accessible in Gujarati (as indicated by "Gurjar Bhashantropet"). His dedication highlights the importance of disseminating Jain teachings.

Summary of Specific Content Snippets:

The provided text snippets offer glimpses into specific descriptions:

• Nilvan Mountain: Described as being nine peaks, with specific names like Sighayatana, Nilvan, Purvideha, Shita, Narikanata, Kirtikuta, Aparavideha, Ramyaka, and Upadarshana. The description even notes the layout of the peaks relative to the ocean.
• Rivers: Rivers like Shita and Narikanta are described as flowing from lakes, with details about their paths and how they merge into oceans.
• Jambudweepa's Structure: The text emphasizes the concentric nature of Jambudweepa, divided by mountains like Vaitalhya, and the existence of various regions (Kshetras) like Hairanyavata and Ramyaka, each with its unique features and presiding deities.
• Celestial Movements: Chapter 20 begins to explain the Sun's movements, orbits, and the concept of Anuyogadwaras, indicating a significant astronomical focus.
• Mathematical Calculations: The text frequently mentions calculations involving yojanas (a unit of distance), hasta (a unit of length), angula (a unit of length), and complex divisions and multiplications to define sizes and distances, highlighting the mathematical rigor of the cosmology.
• Debates on Dimensions: The snippets reveal discussions about differing interpretations or calculations from various Jain texts and commentators (e.g., regarding the height of mountains or the dimensions of Vaitadhya).
• Stars and Planets: The text indicates detailed descriptions of stars, their presiding deities, and the planets.
• Ocean Descriptions: The detailed descriptions of oceans like Lavana Samudra and Pushkaroda mention their sizes, depths, currents, and even the influence of wind on tides.
• Mythological Figures: The text mentions various deities, ganas, and celestial beings associated with different geographical features, contributing to the mythological richness of the cosmology.
• "Lok Prakash" as a Comprehensive Work: The latter part of the text suggests that the entire "Lok Prakash" is a vast and detailed work, with the translator indicating that they are only presenting a portion of it, with the original work being much more extensive.

In essence, "Lok Prakash Part 02" is a foundational Jain text that meticulously maps out the physical universe according to Jain tradition, serving as a guide to the vast and layered cosmology central to Jain philosophy and practice.