Airavatavarsha, Airāvatavarṣa, Airavatavarṣa, Airavata-varsha: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Airavatavarsha means something in Jainism, Prakrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
The Sanskrit terms Airāvatavarṣa and Airavatavarṣa can be transliterated into English as Airavatavarsa or Airavatavarsha, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Source: archive.org: TrisastisalakapurusacaritraAirāvatavarṣa (ऐरावतवर्ष) (or Airāvatakṣetra) is another name for Airāvata: one of the seven zones of Jambūdvīpa which is situated in the “middle world” (madhyaloka), according to chapter 2.2 [ajitanātha-caritra] of Hemacandra’s 11th century Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacaritra: an ancient Sanskrit epic poem narrating the history and legends of sixty-three illustrious persons in Jainism.
Source: Encyclopedia of Jainism: Tattvartha Sutra 3: The Lower and middle worldsAirāvatavarṣa (ऐरावतवर्ष) or simply Airāvata refers to a region of Jambūdvīpa: the first continent of the Madhya-loka (middle-word), according to the 2nd-century Tattvārthasūtra 3.10. Due to its association with the Kṣatriya King Airāvata, this region is called Airāvatakṣetra. The mountain chain Śikhari separates the Hairaṇyavata and Airāvata regions. The Rivers Raktā and Raktodā divide Airāvata-kṣetra.
Bharata, Airāvata and Videha except Uttarakuru and Devakuru are the regions of labour i.e. where spiritual effort is possible also. There are 15 regions of labour in the Two-and-half continents (dhāi-dvīpa) namely; five in Bharata, five in Airāvata and five in Videha regions. The region where the inhabitants engage themselves in the six activities /occupations are called region of labour. The Human beings living in the regions of labour are called inhabitants of the region of labour (karmabhūmija).
Jambūdvīpa (containing the Airāvata-varṣa region) is in the centre of all continents and oceans; all continents and oceans are concentric circles with Jambūdvīpa in the centre. Like the navel is in the centre of the body, Jambūdvīpa is in the centre of all continents and oceans. Sumeru Mount is in the centre of Jambūdvīpa. It is also called Mount Sudarśana.
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)
Partial matches: Varsha, Airavata.
Full-text: Airavata, Airavatakshetra, Jambudvipa.
Relevant text
Search found 1 books and stories containing Airavatavarsha, Airāvatavarṣa, Airāvata-varṣa, Airavatavarṣa, Airavata-varsha, Airavatavarsa, Airavata-varsa, Airavata-varṣa; (plurals include: Airavatavarshas, Airāvatavarṣas, varṣas, Airavatavarṣas, varshas, Airavatavarsas, varsas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary) (by Vijay K. Jain)
Verse 3.10 - The seven divisions of Jambūdvīpa < [Chapter 3 - The Lower World and the Middle World]