Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
by K. C. Lalwani | 1973 | 185,989 words
The English translation of the Bhagavati-sutra which is the fifth Jaina Agama (canonical literature). It is a large encyclopedic work in the form of a dialogue where Mahavira replies to various question. The present form of the Sutra dates to the fifth century A.D. Abhayadeva Suri wrote a vritti (commentary) on the Bhagavati in A.D. 1071. In his J...
Part 11 - On the nāgakumāras
Q. 23. Bhante! How long is stated to be the life-span of the Nāgakumāras?
A. 23. Gautama! Minimum 10,000 years, and maximum slightly less than two palyopamas.
Q. 24. Bhante! What’s the duration of the breathing activity, inhaling and exhaling, of the Nāgakumāras?
A. 24. Gautama! Minimum duration of breathing activity—inhaling and exhaling, is seven stokas, and maximum something like two to nine 48-minute durations.
Q. 25. Bhante! Are the Nāgakumāras keen for intake?
A. 25. Yes, they are so.
Q, 26. Bhante! After what time-gap do they feel the desire for intake?
A. 26. Gautama! Their intake is stated to be of two types. They are: conscious and unconscious. Of these, unconscious intake is incessant and takes place every moment; but the desire for conscious intake grows after a minimum gap of a four-meal-losing full-fast day and a maximum gap of two to nine days. The rest is as with the Asurakumāras,...till they exhaust karma which is itself in the process of moving out, not karma which is still dormant. And that too of the Suvarṇakumāras till the Stanitakumāras34.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
34. If names be any guide, they may be identified as follows:
Asurakumāras—non-Aryans,
Nāgakumāras—snakes,
Suvarṇakumāras—minerals,
Bidyutkumāras—electricity,
Agnikumāras—fire,
Dvīpakumāras—isles,
Udadhikumāras—seas,
Dikkumāras—directions,
Vāyukumāras—air (winds)
Stanitakumāras—ether.
It should appear that the Jainas made a personification of the forces of nature in above manner. They are called ‘kumāra’ as they remain young till they exhaust their life-span.