swargas according to jainism
In Jainism, “swarg” means the heavenly worlds where devas (celestial beings) live. It is called Devlok and is part of Urdhva‑loka (upper world) in Jain cosmology.
1. Swarg is not final liberation
- Swarg is the result of punya (merit) – good karma like giving, non‑violence, self‑control, etc.
- Life there is very long and full of pleasure, but it is not permanent.
- When that karma finishes, the soul takes birth again (maybe as human, animal, or even in hell), so it is still inside samsar (cycle of birth and death).
- Moksha is beyond all swargs, at the very top of the universe, in Siddhashila.
2. Number of Swargs (Heavens)
Traditional Jain cosmology describes mainly the Vaimanik Devas (heavenly abodes). Common list:16 main Swarg (Devlok):
- Saudharma
- Ishana
- Sanatkumara
- Mahendra
- Brahma
- Brahmottara
- Lantava
- Kapishta
- Shukra
- Mahashukra
- Shatara
- Sahasrara
- Anata
- Pranata
- Arana
- Achyuta
Above these are still higher heavenly regions (like Graiveyak and Anuttar devlok), and above all is Siddhashila where only liberated souls reside.
Basic structure accepted by both Digambar and Shvetambar traditions is the same:
- Many levels of heavenly abodes (devlok) in Urdhva‑loka
- All are temporary, created by punya
- Only human birth in Madhya‑loka can lead to moksha
You can read more in a simple form here: Universe / Loka structure in Jainism Heavenly worlds (Swarg / Devlok) in brief