In Jainism, the Vaimanik Devas are a class of celestial beings or gods who reside in the heavens known as Vaimanikas (heavens of the upper world). These beings live in various levels of heavens and are distinct from other celestial beings like Bhavanapatis (residents of lower heavens) and Vyantaras (intermediary space beings).

Types of Vaimanik Devas

The Vaimanik Devas are classified based on the heavens (lokas) where they reside. Traditionally, there are 16 main heavens (Devalokas) where the Vaimanik Devas dwell, and these heavens are further grouped into four broad categories:

1. Kalpa-vasi Devs (Residents of the Kalpa Heavens)

There are 12 Kalpa heavens, each with multiple sub-divisions. The main Kalpa heavens are:

• Saudharma
• Ishana
• Sanatkumara
• Mahendra
• Brahmaloka
• Lantava
• Kapishtha
• Sukra
• Mahasukra
• Satara
• Sahasrara
• Anata

The deities residing in these heavens are called Kalpavasi Devas.

2. Anuttara-vimana-vasi Devs (Residents of the Anuttara Heavens)

There are 5 Anuttara heavens, which are the highest among the Vaimanik heavens:

• Vijaya
• Vaijayanta
• Jayanta
• Aparajita
• Sarvarthasiddhi

The deities in these heavens are known as Anuttara Vaimanik Devas and are considered to be at the highest spiritual and ethical level among heavenly beings.

3. Navagraiveyaka Devs

Above the Kalpa heavens and below the Anuttara heavens are 9 Graiveyaka heavens, where the Graiveyaka Devas reside.

4. Others

Apart from the above, there are also Lokaantika Devas who, though they reside in heavens, are characterized by their special roles such as taking part in inviting Tirthankaras to deliver sermons.

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Summary Table

| Category | Number of Heavens | Example Heavens | |------------------------------|---------------------|-----------------------------| | Kalpa-vasi | 12 | Saudharma, Ishana, etc. | | Navagraiveyaka | 9 | Names not always specified | | Anuttara-vimana-vasi | 5 | Vijaya, Vaijayanta, etc. |

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Key Points about Vaimanik Devas

• They are born spontaneously due to their previous good karmas.
• Their lifespans, happiness, and powers are much greater than human beings, but they are still bound by karma and the cycle of birth and death.
• The highest knowledge and liberation (moksha) is not possible from the heavens; only from the human realm.

References:

• Tattvartha Sutra (Chapter 4)
• Jain Cosmology texts
• "Jainism: The World of Conquerors" by Natubhai Shah

If you want details about specific classes or characteristics of the Vaimanik Devas, please ask!