Who are anuttara devas
Answer
Anuttara devas are the highest class of heavenly beings in Jain cosmology. They live in the five Anuttara Vimanas, which are among the most exalted celestial realms.
Explanation
- The word Anuttara means unsurpassed or highest.
- These devas are born there because of very strong punya, or meritorious karma.
- They enjoy great subtlety, long life, and extraordinary celestial सुख, but they are still within samsara.
- The five Anuttara heavens are commonly named:
- Vijaya
- Vaijayanta
- Jayanta
- Aparajita
- Sarvarthasiddha
Spiritual Understanding
In Jain Dharma, even the highest heavenly state is not the final goal. Anuttara devas are very elevated, but liberation is beyond all celestial existence. This teaches us that moksha, not heavenly enjoyment, is the true aim.
Takeaway
Anuttara devas are the topmost heavenly beings in Jainism, but they are still bound by karma and not yet liberated.