SearchBrowseAboutContactDonate
Page Preview
Page 336
Loading...
Download File
Download File
Page Text
________________ 320 RELIGIOUS SECTS According to the Mythology which they have adopted and modified the Jains reckon four classes of divine beings whom they name Bhuvanapatis, Vyantaras, Jyotishkas, and Vaimánikas; the first comprises ten orders: the progeny of the Asuras, Serpents, Garuda, the Dikpálas, Fire, Air, the Ocean, Thunder and Lightning,-who are supposed to reside in the several hells or regions below the Earth. The second has eight orders: the Pisáchas, Bhútas, Kinnaras, Gandharvas, and other monstrous or terrestrial divinities inhabiting mountains, woods, and forests, as well as the lower regions, or air. The third has five orders: the Sun, Moon, Planets, Asterisms, and other heavenly bodies. The fourth includes the Gods of present and past Kalpas. Of the first kind are those born in the Heavens, Saudharma, Ísána, Mahendra, Brahma, Sanatkumára, Sukra, and others to the number of twelve, or in the Kalpas, when SUDHARMÁ and the rest were severally presiding Deities. The last class reside in two divisions of five and of nine heavens the five termed Vijaya, Vaijayanti, &c.; the second termed Anuttara, because there are none beyond them, as they crown the triple construction of the universe. In the sovereignty of the hosts of heaven a great number of Indras are recognised, but of these two are always specified as the chief, SUKRA and ÍsÁNA, one regent of the north, the other of the south heaven: the former alone has eighty-four thousand fellow gods, each of whom has myriads of associates and attendants.
SR No.007688
Book TitleEssays Lectures on Religion of Hindu Vol 01
Original Sutra AuthorN/A
AuthorH H Wilson
PublisherTrubner and Company London
Publication Year1861
Total Pages480
LanguageEnglish
ClassificationInterfaith & Hinduism
File Size28 MB
Copyright © Jain Education International. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy