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...
Chapter 3-30: On men in the isles in the Salt Ocean
Q. 5. Bhante! Where in the south is the location of the Ekoruka island inhabited by men of the Ekoruka species?
A. 5. Gautama! To the south of Mount Meru, in Jambūdvīpa, there is a varṣadhara mountain named Cullahimavanta. From the eastern extremity of this mountain, as you proceed 300 yojanas in the north-east in the Salt Ocean, there, on the southern side, you have the Ekoruka island inhabited by men of the Ekoruka species.
Gautama! This island is 300 yojanas square and its boundary line is slightly less than 949 yojanas. This island is girdled fey a padmavara-vedikā and a forest strip. They have been described at length in the Jīvābhigama Sūtra. The description of all the isles, 28 in number, till Suddhadanta, is similar, which is to be noted, till men living in these isles acquire, after death, the life of divine beings. The dimensions of all the 28 isles are to be noted from the same source, but it is necessary to devote one chapter for each, so that there will, in all, be 28 chapters.
Bhante! So they are. Bhante! So they are....So.
Chapters Three, till Thirty end.