In Jain cosmology, there are 7 नरक (hells), called Adho-loka regions. These are places of intense suffering, where beings are born due to very heavy pāpa karma.

The 7 hells, from top to bottom:

1. Ratnaprabhā
2. Śarkarāprabhā
3. Vālukāprabhā
4. Pankaprabhā
5. Dhūmaprabhā
6. Tamaprabhā
7. Mahātamaprabhā

General understanding:

• Ratnaprabhā is the uppermost and least intense among the 7 hells.
• Mahātamaprabhā is the deepest and most painful.
• As one goes downward, suffering becomes progressively more severe.
• Birth in these realms is not eternal, but the duration of suffering can be extremely long according to Jain karma theory.

Jain teaching behind the 7 hells:

• Hell is not a place of punishment by a creator.
• It is the natural result of one’s own karma.
• Strong violence, cruelty, anger, greed, and deceit can lead to such birth.

Important Jain principle:

The purpose of this teaching is to inspire:

• Ahimsa
• Self-control
• Compassion
• Purity of conduct

If you want, I can also give the detailed characteristics of each hell in simple Jain terms.