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 4 - Sun-rise in Salt Sea
[Note 6: Jambū-dvīpa is 1,00,000 yojanas in length, and so also in breadth. It is encircled on all sides by the Salt Sea whose water is saline. It is 2,00,000 yojanas in length and so also in breadth. They are served by four suns and four moons. Jambū-dvīpa is round like a saucer and the Salt sea is round like a bangle. Thus the Salt Sea encircles Jambū-dvīpa. The Salt Sea has a floor area which is 24 times that of Jambū-dvīpa.]
Q. 15. Bhante! In the Salt Sea, does the sun rise in the north-east (and set iṇ the south-east and so on, repeat as before)?
A. 15. Whatever has been said (of the suns) of Jambūdvīpa is to be repeated without omission about the Salt Sea, difference being in wording as follows: when in the southern portion of the Salt Sea it is day,...till in the eastern portion and in the western portion of the Salt Sea, it is night. It is to be stated like this.
Q. 16. Bhante! When in the southern portion of the Salt Sea, it is first avasarpiṇī, it is said that in the northern portion, too, it is first avasarpiṇī, and when in the northern portion it is first avasarpiṇī, then in the eastern and the western portions of the Salt Sea, there is neither avasarpiṇī nor utsarpiṇī, (but a fixed time). Bhante! Is it so?
A. 16. Yes, Gautama, (it is so)...till (a fixed time).
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
(There is no commentary available for this section).