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 2 - Thirty-three Gods of Valīndra and Dharaṇendra
Q. 37. Bhante! Does Valīndra, the Indra of the Vairocanas, their king, have thirty-three gods under him?
A. 37. Yes, Gautama! He has.
Q. 38. Bhante! How do you say so?
A. 38. Gautama! In that period, at that time, there was a small town named Vibhela in Bharatkṣetra [Bharatakṣetra] in Jambūdvīpa. In that town, there lived thirty-three followers, etc., all as stated before, till were born gods till Bhante! Does it mean that Valīndra acquired these thirty-three only after the thirty three followers at Vibhela had passed away? till No, that is not correct. They are eternal, till while one group checks out, another group checks in, there being no vacancy at any time.
Q. 39. Bhante! Does Dharaṇa, the Nāgakumārenda, the Indra of the Nāgas, their king, has thirty three gods under him?
A. 39. Yes, Gautama! He has.
Q. 40. Bhante! How do you say so?
A. 40. Gautama! The thirty-three gods of Dharaṇa, the Indra of the Nāgakumāras, their king, are also eternal so that it is not that they were not there or that they will not be there, while one group checks out, another group checks in, there being no vacancy at any time. The same holds good of the thirty-three gods of Bhūtānanda, till of Mahāghoṣa Indra.