Show detailed diagram of Jain cosmology

Certainly! Jain cosmology presents a unique and intricate view of the universe, often depicted in a diagram called the "Jambudvipa" or "Lokakash." Below is a textual description of the diagram, as I cannot provide visual images directly. Here’s how a detailed Jain cosmological diagram is typically structured:

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Jain Cosmology Diagram Description

Shape of the Universe

• The universe (Lokakash) is depicted as having the shape of a standing human figure or sometimes like an hourglass:

- Upper World (Urdhva Loka): The region above the middle, where heavenly beings (devas) reside. - Middle World (Madhya Loka): The narrow central region, where humans, animals, and plants live. - Lower World (Adho Loka): The region below, consisting of various hells (Naraka).

Main Components

1. Urdhva Loka (Upper World)

- Divided into multiple heavenly abodes (Devalokas). - At the very top is the Siddhashila, where liberated souls (Siddhas) reside.

1. Madhya Loka (Middle World)

- Central disk-shaped region, comprising: - Jambudvipa: Central continent, where humans (including Bharat Kshetra, where we live) reside. - Other Continents and Oceans: Arranged concentrically around Jambudvipa, alternating between islands (dvipas) and oceans (samudras). - Mount Meru: The cosmic axis or mountain at the very center of Jambudvipa.

1. Adho Loka (Lower World)

- Contains seven levels of hell, each lower and more torturous than the one above.

Detailed Structure (from top to bottom)

• Siddhashila: Crescent-shaped region at the top, abode of liberated souls.
• Deva Lokas: Six heavens for celestial beings.
• Vyantaras and Jyotishkas: Realms of heavenly and luminous beings between the upper and middle worlds.
• Jambudvipa: Central continent in Madhya Loka, with Mount Meru at the center, surrounded by a series of oceans and continents.
• Other Dvipas: Plaksha, Shalmala, Kusha, Krauncha, Shaka, Pushkara, each separated by oceans.
• Naraka (Hells): Seven regions, each deeper and more painful.

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Standard Diagram Elements

Below is a simplified ASCII-style representation for clarity:

``` Siddhashila (Liberated Souls) /\ / \ <- Crescent shape ----------------- | Deva Lokas | <- 6 heavenly regions (Upper World) ----------------- | Middle World | <- Jambudvipa (central disk), Mount Meru | (Madhya) | Plaksha, Shalmala, Kusha, etc. ----------------- | Lower World | <- 7 layers of hell (Naraka) | (Adho Loka) | ----------------- ```

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References for Visual Diagrams

For an authentic, visual depiction, refer to the following:

• Jain temple murals: Temples like Shree Dharmanath Jain temple (Kolkata) and Ranakpur have painted diagrams.
• Books: "Jainism: An Introduction" by Jeffery D. Long (with visuals).
• Online: Search for "Jain cosmology diagram" or "Jain Lokakash diagram" for images.

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If you need further details about any section (e.g., structure of Jambudvipa, description of Mount Meru, etc.), please specify!