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 3 - On interval before fresh arrivals
Q. 326. Bhante! How long are the hells free from fresh arrivals?
A. 326. Gautama! Minimum one time-unit, and maximum 12-times 48-minute interval. Details of arrivals need be stated here176.
Bhante! So they are. Glory be to the Lord! So saying Gautama withdraw and resumed his seat.
Chapter ten ends.
Book one ends.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
176. The details in the Paṇṇavaṇā Sūtra are as follows:—
For non-humans with five-organs, humans and celestials—minimum one time-unit; maximum 12 muhūrtas;
first hell—24 muhūrtas;
second hell—7 day-nights;
third hell—15 day-nights;
fourth hell—one month;
fifth hell—two months;
sixth hell—four months;
seventh hell—six months;
Bhavanavāsis, Vāṇavyantaras and Jyotiṣkas—24 muhūrtas;
first and second heavens—24 muhūrtas;
third heaven—9 days & 20 muhūrtas;
fourth heaven—12 days and 10 muhūrtas;
fifth heaven—22½ days;
sixth heaven—45 days;
seventh heaven—80 days;
eighth heaven—100 days;
ninth and tenth heavens—less than a year;
eleventh and twelfth heavens—less than 100 years;
Graiveyaka-trio 1—less than 100 years;
Graiveyaka-trio 2—less than 1,000 years;
Graiveyaka-trio 3—less than 1,00,000 years;
Elsewhere in the Sūtra we have as follows:—
static beings—no interval;
two-, three-, four-organ beings, and five-organ beings without mind—less than a muhūrta;
five-organ beings with mind and human beings—12 muhūrtas;
liberated souls—six months, no exit;