Solah Dishao Sambandhi Prachin Ullekh

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Solah Dishao Sambandhi Prachin Ullekh" (Ancient References Regarding Sixteen Directions) by Punyavijay:

The article, drawing from the ancient Jain scripture Acharya Sutra Niyukti (specifically verses 40-62), addresses the concept of sixteen directions, a topic not commonly found in modern literature. It acknowledges a previous article by Shri Badrinath Sakariya in the "Rajasthan-Bharati" magazine, which introduced sixteen directions in Rajasthani literature but lacked ancient references for their names.

The author, Punyavijay, highlights that the Acharya Sutra Niyukti, in its commentary on directions, provides detailed information on this subject. Specifically, it mentions two categories of directions: Ten Field Directions (Dash Kshetra Dishao) and Eighteen Professional Directions (Aatharah Pragnapak Dishao).

Ten Field Directions (Dash Kshetra Dishao): The article quotes Gatha 43 of the Acharya Sutra Niyukti, which lists the names of these ten directions:

1. Inda (likely referring to Indra, East)
2. Agneyi (Southeast)
3. Yamya (South)
4. Neruti (Southwest)
5. Varuni (West)
6. Vayavya (Northwest)
7. Soma (North)
8. Ishana (Northeast)
9. Vimala (identified as the Upward direction)
10. Tama (identified as the Downward direction)

Eighteen Professional Directions (Aatharah Pragnapak Dishao): The text then presents verses 52-58 from the Niyukti, which describe the eighteen professional directions. These verses explain that there are four cardinal directions, four intermediate directions, and then further subdivisions.

• Verse 52: Mentions the cardinal directions (South and North) and the four intermediate directions between them.
• Verse 53: States that there are eight more directions, totaling sixteen, which are spread out in all directions (Savvatiyadisaha).
• Verse 54: Identifies the downward direction (below the feet) and the upward direction (above the head), completing the eighteen directions.
• Verse 55: Announces the intention to list the names of these directions.
• Verse 56: Lists eight directions:
  1. Purva (East)
  2. Purva-dakshina (Southeast)
  3. Dakshina (South)
  4. Dakshina-apara (Southwest)
  5. Apara (West)
  6. Apara-uttara (Northwest)
  7. Uttara (North)
  8. Purva-uttara (Northeast)
• Verse 57: Lists eight more intermediate directions:
  1. Samutsthani
  2. Kavilā
  3. Khelijja
  4. Abhidharmā
  5. Pariyā
  6. Dharmā
  7. Sāvitrī
  8. Prannavitti
• Verse 58: Identifies the downward direction for those in hell (Nairaiya) and the upward direction for the gods (Deva), confirming these are also part of the eighteen professional directions.

In essence, the article from the Acharya Sutra Niyukti provides ancient Jain scriptural evidence for the concept of sixteen directions, detailing their names and classifications, thus addressing the earlier lack of such references in contemporary discussions. Those seeking a more in-depth understanding are directed to verses 40-62 of the Acharya Sutra Niyukti.