Answer

According to traditional Jain cosmology, the Earth is not described in the same way as modern science describes a spherical planet.

Jain scriptures describe the inhabited middle world, especially Jambūdvīpa, in a cosmological structure that is traditionally represented as circular and disc-like, with Mount Meru at the center.

So, in Jain cosmology, the world-system is not presented as a modern globe, but as part of a much larger sacred cosmic arrangement.

Explanation

Jain Dharma describes the universe as anādi-ananta — beginningless and endless — and divided into:

• Ūrdhva Loka — upper world
• Madhya Loka — middle world
• Adho Loka — lower world

Human beings live in Madhya Loka. Within Madhya Loka, Jain cosmology describes regions such as:

• Jambūdvīpa
• Dhātakīkhaṇḍa
• Puṣkarārdha

These are traditionally described in circular arrangements, not as a single spherical Earth like in modern astronomy.

Spiritual Understanding

The purpose of Jain cosmology is not merely physical geography. It teaches:

• the vastness of the universe,
• the rarity of human birth,
• the existence of different realms of life,
• and the importance of liberation from saṃsāra.

Jain Dharma’s main focus is not proving whether the Earth is flat or round, but guiding the soul toward samyak darśana, samyak jñāna, and samyak cāritra — right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

Takeaway

Traditional Jain cosmology does not describe Earth as a modern spherical planet. It presents the human world within a sacred cosmic structure, especially Jambūdvīpa, often depicted as circular and disc-like. The deeper purpose is spiritual: to understand the universe and strive for moksha.