In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Jainism

Lāntaka (लान्तक) refers to a heavenly abode (kalpa) inhabited by Kalpopapanna gods, according to Jain cosmological texts in both the Śvetāmbara and Digambara tradition. The Kalpopapannas (‘those born in the heavens’) represent a sub-species of the Vaimānika gods, which in turn represents the fourth main classification of devas (gods). This kalpa is also known as Lāntakakalpa. In this specific kalpa, instead of bodily coition, a more and more refined sort of sexual satisfaction takes its place. The associated leśyā is white. There are ten such kalpas being ruled over by sixty-four Indras (heavenly kings).

In Jain iconography, the associated animal symbol of the Lāntaka-kalpa is a frog (prakrit: sālūra, sanskrit: śālūra, śālūka, śālu). These animals are depicted in a cosmological text of the Śvetāmbara tradition known as the Saṃgrahaṇīratna (“jewel of the compilation”), also known as the Trailokyadīpikā (“illumination of the triple world”), written by Śrīcandra in the 12th century.

Source: archive.org: Trisastisalakapurusacaritra

Lāntaka (लान्तक) is the name of an ancient kingdom , as mentioned in chapter 1.1 [ādīśvara-caritra] of Hemacandra’s 11th century Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacaritra: an ancient Sanskrit epic poem narrating the history and legends of sixty-three illustrious persons in Jainism.

Accordingly, as Svayambuddha said to king Mahābala (i.e., previous incarnation of Ṛṣabha):—

“do not doubt in the least that the fruit of dharma is inevitable. Do you recall that we as boys went to the park Nandana, and saw a very beautiful god? Then the god spoke to you graciously, O King: ‘I am Atibala, your grandfather. Disgusted with worldly pleasures as with a cruel friend, I abandoned the kingdom like straw, and adopted the three jewels. I made renunciation of the world, the pinnacle of the palace of vows, at the last minute. By its power I became lord of Lāntaka. You must not act negligently’”.

context information

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Starts with: Lantakaja, Lantakakalpa.

Ends with: Akilantaka, Aklantaka, Anilantaka, Colakulantaka, Ilvalantaka, Jalantaka, Kalantaka, Kulamtaka, Rajakulantaka, Shulantaka, Sushilantaka.

Full-text: Kamagava, Lantakaja, Vaimanika, Lantakakalpa, Kalpa, Urdhvaloka, Kalpopapanna, Atibala.

Relevant text

Search found 2 books and stories containing Lantaka, Lāntaka, Lamtaka, Laṃtaka; (plurals include: Lantakas, Lāntakas, Lamtakas, Laṃtakas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti) (by K. C. Lalwani)

Part 12 - On celestial positions < [Chapter 2]

Part 8 - Monk Kurudattaputra and other heavens < [Chapter 1]

Part 1 - On cells in the hells < [Chapter 5]

+ 3 more chapters / show preview

Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra (by Helen M. Johnson)

Part 32: Description of the Upper World (ūrdhvaloka) < [Chapter III - The initiation and omniscience of Ajita]

Part 12: Future births of Rāvaṇa, Lakṣmaṇa, and Sītā < [Chapter X - Rāma’s mokṣa (emancipation)]

Part 3: Previous birth of Añjanā < [Chapter III - Hanumat’s birth and Varuṇa’s subjection]

+ 6 more chapters / show preview