Answer

According to Jainism, the universe is not described in terms of “planets” in the modern astronomical sense.

Jain cosmology describes the universe as having three main realms:

• Ūrdhva Loka – the upper world, where heavenly beings live
• Madhya Loka – the middle world, where humans, animals, and plants exist
• Adho Loka – the lower world, consisting of hellish realms

Within Madhya Loka, Jain texts describe many lands, oceans, suns, moons, stars, and celestial bodies, but they are not counted simply as “planets” like in modern science.

Explanation

In Jain Dharma, the universe is eternal and uncreated. It is called Loka, and it contains countless living beings in different forms of existence.

Jain cosmology speaks of:

• continents and oceans, such as Jambūdvīpa
• heavenly realms
• hellish realms
• suns, moons, constellations, and celestial beings

So, Jainism does not give an answer like “8 planets” or “9 planets.” That type of planetary classification belongs to modern astronomy, not traditional Jain cosmology.

Takeaway

Jainism focuses less on counting planets and more on understanding the vast, eternal universe and the soul’s journey through different realms of existence.