Tiloy Pannatti - Book Summary | JainGPT

The provided text is a portion of the Tiloya Pannatti (also known as Triloka Prajnapti), authored by Yativṛṣabha (also known as Jadi-vasaha). This comprehensive Jain text, belonging to the Karaṇānuyoga (calculatory sciences) category, deals with cosmology, including geography and astronomy.

Here's a summary based on the provided text:

Core Subject Matter: The Tiloya Pannatti is a foundational work in Jain cosmology, meticulously detailing the structure of the universe (the three worlds: Tritala or Tiloya). It delves into the dimensions, measurements, constituent elements, and various realms within the Jain cosmos.

Author and Context:

Author: Yativṛṣabha (Jadi-vasaha) is described as an author of venerable antiquity. The preface indicates that discussions about his place in Jain hierarchy and the specific stratum of literature to which this work belongs will be addressed in a later introduction.
Classification: The work is placed within the Karaṇānuyoga division of Jain literature, focusing on calculatory sciences, particularly geography and cosmology. This genre is noted as being less popular compared to others.
Linguistic Style: The author demonstrates admirable command over the Prakrit language. His style is praised for being natural and not overly Sanskritized, highlighting the use of variations of the same Sanskrit word within a short span to show the vitality of the Prakrit language.

Key Themes and Content Areas Covered in the Provided Excerpts:

Invocation and Benediction: The text begins with traditional Jain invocations to the Pancha Parameṣṭhi (the five supreme beings) and the definition of auspiciousness (mangala).
Definition and Purpose of Mangala: The text elaborates on the meaning of mangala, its etymological roots, and its classifications (name, establishment, place, time, disposition). It emphasizes the benefits of invoking auspiciousness before commencing any endeavor, especially a literary work.
Cosmological Structure (Lokakasha, Lokas, etc.):
- Lokakasha (Space): The text begins to describe the spatial extent of the universe, introducing concepts like jagashredhi (space measure) and alokakasha (non-world space).
- Dravyas (Substances): The fundamental Jain substances—jiva (soul), pudgala (matter), dharma (medium of motion), adharma (medium of rest), kala (time), and akasha (space)—are mentioned as existing within the alokakasha.
- Dimensions and Measurements: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to defining units of measurement like angula (finger), hasta (hand), vitasti (span), danda (rod), kosa (a measure of distance), rajju (a large unit of measure), and their conversions. This includes detailed calculations for pala, sagaropama, and ardhapala.
- Worlds and Realms: The text meticulously describes the structure of the three worlds (urdhvaloka, madhyaloka, and adholoka). It details the different layers of the lower world (naraka or hellish realms) starting from Ratnaprabha (the first hellish layer), its dimensions, the types of beings residing there (naraka beings), their lifespans, the punishments they endure, and the various punishments inflicted through different types of hellish substances and instruments. It also touches upon the different types of beings residing in the madhyaloka (human world) and urdhvaloka (heavenly worlds).
- Jambudvipa: A substantial part of the excerpt focuses on describing Jambudvipa, a significant continent in the madhyaloka, its dimensions, the mountain ranges (kula-parvatas like Himavat, Mahahimavat, etc.), the rivers (like Ganga and Sindhu), and the various cities and parks within it. The description of the cheti trees and the jin-mandiras (temples of Tirthankaras) is also detailed.
- Lokakashas (Spaces): The text distinguishes between different spatial regions (heima-lokakasha, madhya-lokakasha, urddha-lokakasha) and their respective dimensions.
- Time: The text delves into the classification and measurement of time, from samaya (instant) to kalpa (eon), describing various units like avalika, ushasa, muhurta, divasa, masa, varsha, and yuga.
Types of Beings and Their Abodes: The text describes the abodes of various celestial beings (devas) in the different heavenly realms (kalpas), their lifespans, their types of dwelling places (vimanas, padas), their modes of sustenance, and their respective powers and characteristics. It also outlines the classification of beings and their attributes, such as senses (indriya), life-span (ayu), mind (manas), speech (vachana), body (kaya), sustenance (ahaara), and passions (kashaya).
Mathematical and Astronomical Calculations: The text extensively uses mathematical calculations, including multiplication, division, and the use of large numbers, to define the dimensions and distances within the universe. It touches upon concepts related to volume and area.

Editorial Notes: The preface by Dr. A. N. Upadhye highlights the challenges of editing such a text:

Reliance on three manuscripts (A, B, and S) for the current edition.
Care taken in constructing the text, sometimes deviating from later Prakrit grammarians' rules to preserve the original readings.
The presence of unique Prakrit forms not recognized by grammarians like Hemacandra.
The difficulty in confidently understanding obscure passages due to the lack of Sanskrit commentaries or marginal glosses.
The tentative nature of the presented text due to these challenges.

In essence, the Tiloya Pannatti is a monumental work that systematically explains the vastness and complexity of the Jain universe, drawing heavily on intricate mathematical and cosmological principles. The provided excerpts offer a glimpse into its detailed descriptions of spatial dimensions, time units, heavenly and hellish realms, and the various types of celestial and infernal beings.